THE REORGANIZATION OF THE NEUROMUSCULAR SYSTEM DURING AGEING: INFLUENCE OF REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Abstract

Senescence is accompanied by various changes affecting the neuromuscular system that contribute to the decline in functional performances observed in elderly individuals. In addition to a profound remodelling of the neuromuscular system, several mechanisms located at both muscular and neural levels contribute to this lost of performances. Hopefully, regular physical activity may counteract or reverse some of the alterations encountered in old age. The purpose of this keynote lecture is to give an overview of the main age-related changes of the neuromuscular system and to evoke the potential influence of regular physical activity in limiting these alterations.