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Intramuscular phosphagen status and the relationship to muscle performance across the age spectrum

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Abstract

Purpose

To examine age-related differences in intramuscular concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), free creatine (FCr), phosphocreatine (PCr) and total creatine (TCr) and if these differences were related to muscle performance.

Methods

Forty-two healthy, non-sedentary, males between 20 and 76 years provided muscle samples to determine [ATP], [FCr], [PCr], and [TCr]. Maximal strength and endurance were assessed and correlated with intramuscular variables.

Results

Intramuscular [ATP] decreased by 13.5 % (p = 0.013) in the older cohort (18.0 ± 0.6 mmol/kg dry wt) vs. the young cohort (20.8 ± 0.9 mmol/kg dry wt) and was significantly correlated to age (r = −0.38, p = 0.008). No other differences were observed between age groups for intramuscular [PCr], [FCr], [TCr], or [PCr]:[TCr] (p > 0.05). The older cohort consumed significantly less (p < 0.05) dietary protein when compared to the young cohort. Bivariate correlations were found for intramuscular [ATP] and lower body 1RM (r = 0.24, p = 0.066), leg press volume and free creatine (r = 0.325, p = 0.036) and leg press repetitions and free creatine (r = 0.373, p = 0.015). Partial correlations controlling for age eliminated the relationship between [ATP] and 1RM while intramuscular free creatine and leg press repetitions remained significant (p < 0.05) and leg press volume approached significance (p = 0.095).

Conclusion

These results expand upon previous observations indicative of age-related reductions in intramuscular [ATP] and dietary protein intake. The lack of change in other intramuscular PCr system markers are suggestive of dysfunctions at the mitochondrial level while the impact of neuromuscular changes, lean mass cross-sectional area and differences in physical activity are also important.

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Abbreviations

ATP:

Adenosine triphosphate

PCr:

Phosphocreatine

FCr:

Free creatine

Cr:

Creatine

TCr:

Total creatine

mmol (mM):

Millimolar

kg dry wt:

Kilograms of dry weight of skeletal muscle

[]:

Concentration

1RM:

One-repetition maximum

mtDNA:

Mitochondrial DNA

mRNA:

Messenger RNA

ACSM:

American College of Sports Medicine

IRB:

Institutional Review Board

KHCO3:

Potassium bicarbonate

Nm:

Nanometer

NADP:

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate

μl:

Microliter

ADP:

Adenosine diphosphate

CK:

Creatine kinase

U/ml:

Units per milliliter

μM:

Micromolar

NADH:

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide

ANOVA:

Analysis of variance

GAMT:

Guanidinoacetate N-methyltransferase

POLG:

Polymerase gamma

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Acknowledgments

The authors are indebted to Dr. Justin Crane and Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky for their collaborative spirit and graciousness in completing the intramuscular phosphagen assays. We thank the subjects that participated in this study and Dr. Jerry Mayhew at Truman State University (Kirksville, MO) for his insight on statistical approaches. The National Strength and Conditioning Foundation provided funds for this project through a Doctoral Research Grant to M.D.R as well as a Young Investigator Grant to C.M.K.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Exercise Science, School of Sport, Recreation and Exercise Sciences, Lindenwood University, St. Charles, MO, 63301, USA

    Chad M. Kerksick

  2. School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA

    Michael D. Roberts

  3. Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, School of Medicine and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, 4702, Australia

    Vincent J. Dalbo

  4. Department of Exercise Science, High Point University, High Point, NC, 27262, USA

    Kyle L. Sunderland

Authors
  1. Chad M. Kerksick
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  2. Michael D. Roberts
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  3. Vincent J. Dalbo
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  4. Kyle L. Sunderland
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Correspondence to Chad M. Kerksick.

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Communicated by William J. Kraemer.

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Kerksick, C.M., Roberts, M.D., Dalbo, V.J. et al. Intramuscular phosphagen status and the relationship to muscle performance across the age spectrum. Eur J Appl Physiol 116, 115–127 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3246-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3246-1

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