The effect of downhill and uphill running training on antioxidant enzymes, autophagy and BMP molecules, and muscle growth factors in the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles.

The running training has an effect to age-related muscle and bone wasting which result in physical activity and quality of life in the elderly. However, whether downhill running effect on age-related muscle and bone wasting, and its mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, gradual downhill running can be improve skeletal muscle growth and bone formation by enhancing autophagy and bone morphogenetic protein signaling in aged rats. Therefore, downhill running training might be a practical intervention to improve skeletal muscle and bone protection for the elderly.