The Study
Associations between biomarkers of cellular senescence and physical function in humans: observations from the lifestyle interventions for elders (LIFE) study
This study looked at a group of older people and found that those with weaker muscles or slower walking tended to have higher levels of certain proteins in their blood. But it didn't change anything or follow people over time, so we can't say those proteins are causing the weakness—they might just be along for the ride.
Analysis score
Maximum 44 for a cross-sectional study.
Where the score came from
Scientists checked blood levels of 27 proteins linked to aging cells in over 1,300 older adults who had trouble walking. They found that higher levels of certain proteins meant worse walking, balance, and strength.
Where does this study sit?
Reviews of RCTs (Meta-analyses)
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Reviews of Cohort Studies
Max 85Cohort Studies
Max 72Reviews of Case-Control Studies
Max 63Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional & Case Series
Max 50Expert Opinion
Max 544 / 100
Quality score
Snapshots of a population at a single point in time, or descriptions of small groups. Can identify correlations and prevalence, but cannot determine cause and effect.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes—this means a simple blood test could help doctors spot older adults at highest risk of losing independence before it happens.
- 2Five proteins (activin A, ICAM1, MMP7, VEGFA, eotaxin) best predicted mobility problems.
- 3Together with age and BMI, they predicted who would have severe mobility issues with 86% accuracy.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Journal
GeroScience
Year
2022
Authors
R. Fielding, Elizabeth J. Atkinson, Zaira Aversa, T. White, A. Heeren, S. Achenbach, M. Mielke, S. Cummings, M. Pahor, C. Leeuwenburgh, N. LeBrasseur
Related Content
Claims (6)
Older adults with mobility limitations who have higher initial levels of five specific blood proteins are more likely to experience faster loss of physical function and a greater chance of becoming severely mobility-limited within two years, regardless of any treatment or changes in body weight.
In older adults, a combination of five biological markers along with age, sex, race, and body mass index can accurately identify those with reduced mobility, correctly classifying 86% of cases.
In older adults with mobility limitations, higher levels of Activin A are consistently linked to worse performance on tests of physical function, including walking speed, standing from a chair, and walking 400 meters, with a measurable statistical relationship.
In adults, the levels of certain biological markers related to cellular aging are linked differently to hand strength in women compared to men, with distinct sets of markers predicting strength in each sex.
A set of biological markers related to cellular aging can more accurately identify people at risk of mobility problems than age, sex, race, or body mass index alone.
In older adults with mobility limitations, higher levels of five specific blood proteins are linked to worse physical performance and slower walking speed.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.