A newly identified muscle protein may help explain why people who stay active as they age often remain stronger and healthier for longer, according to new research.Scientists found that a protein called NOX4 naturally declines with age and inactivity.As levels dropped, researchers observed signs of frailty, muscle loss, insulin resistance and liver disease in mice.The findings were published in the journal Science Advances.7 COMMON FITNESS MISTAKES OLDER ADULTS MAKE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM FOR BETTER WORKOUTSResearchers believe NOX4 helps muscles repair themselves and adapt to the physical demands of exercise.When NOX4 was removed from the muscles of mice, the animals became weaker, lost muscle mass and developed health problems commonly associated with aging.Researchers found that declining levels of the muscle protein NOX4 with age and inactivity may contribute to weakness, muscle loss, and other health problems.
(iStock)The researchers also found that exercise helped restore NOX4 levels in older mice.Josephine Hunt, an educational leader, former group fitness instructor and founder of The Resilience Revolution based in New Jersey, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital that the findings help explain why exercise benefits so many aspects of health.CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES"Movement is medicine," Hunt said."The emerging NOX4 research is exciting because it helps explain something exercise scientists have observed for decades.Physical activity does far more than strengthen muscles."Researchers think NOX4 plays an important role in helping muscles recover and adjust to the stresses of exercise.
(iStock)Hunt said many people view exercise as a way to improve appearance or fitness, but its effects reach much deeper."Exercise appears to activate biological signaling pathways that help the body adapt, repair and become more resilient over time," she said.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERShe said one of the study's biggest takeaway...