Myokine Response to Resistance Exercise in Older Adults and the Similarities and Differences to Younger Adults: A Brief Narrative Review

Myokines are cytokines secreted from muscle during contraction and are implicated in autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine regulation of biological systems. It is postulated that myokines contribute to skeletal muscle adaptations in response to resistance exercise. Exercise, including resistance exercise, is an important factor in the management of maintaining skeletal muscle strength, mass, and function with aging. Sarcopenia is exacerbated with increased age and therefore, it is important to understand the potential underlying mechanisms whereby exercise may be beneficial in reducing the consequences of sarcopenia for older adults. Myokine secretion is one mechanism which is postulated to account for the benefits of exercise in aging muscle. The response of myokines to aerobic exercise in older adults have previously been reviewed; however, there is limited research focused on the response of myokines to resistance exercise. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to discuss the response of various myokines to an acute bout of resistance exercise and/or chronic resistance exercise training in older adults, compare the response between younger and older adults, and briefly outline the influence myokines may have on skeletal muscle adaptations.