Dear Colleagues,

The global population is increasing, as is the amount of middle-aged (~35 to 55 years) and old (>55 years) people. This is attributed to improvements in medical care, a decline in the leading causes of mortality and a better appreciation for factors that enhance longevity (e.g., exercise and physical activity). Alongside the physiological changes, ageing remains associated with functional changes such as dynapenia and sarcopenia. It is well-documented that these changes are not uniform, with strength and power declining faster than muscle mass into older age, and the lower-body regions displaying greater rates of dynapenia and sarcopenia than the upper-body. Though the mechanism underlying this disparity remains equivocal, dynapenia and sarcopenia can have a negative effect on quality of life, daily functioning and athleticism. Such observations are established within the literature, with studies typically utilising older male populations. A key omission, therefore, is work in ‘middle-aged’ and female populations, which leaves an incomplete picture of the ageing process and the associated physiological changes.

This Special Issue will highlight the effect of exercise and physical activity on ageing and the underpinning physiological mechanisms. Moreover, we particularly welcome submissions including middle-aged or female populations and those with an applied/clinical focus.

Dr. John F. T. Fernandes
Guest Editor

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