Advancing age in the able-bodied population is associated with loss of lean tissue and gain of fat tissue. Initially, immobilization from spinal cord injury results in rapid loss of muscle and bone tissues and a relative gain in adiposity. A more gradual but persistent loss of muscle and bone occurs at a rate exceeding that of normal aging. In addition to immobilization, reductions in endogenous anabolic hormones may be partially responsible for these body composition changes. Strategies must be sought to preserve skeletal muscle with aging to maintain function and independence as well as to reduce the risk of several chronic illnesses associated with advancing age.

anabolic hormones, body composition, bone mineral density, fat, growth hormone, immobilization, muscle, sarcopenia, soft tissue, testosterone
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