Exervise can be demanding, and resuming physical activity after a break can feel even more challenging. However, research shows that muscles can actually “remember” the stress they have previously been exposed to. This muscle memory is caused by epigenetic changes that make it easier for muscles to rebuild and adapt following exercise.

This ability, however, appears to function best in younger and middle-aged individuals.

“It seems that in some older adults - we do not yet know whether this applies to everyone - this system does not function as well. This is likely due to changes in some of the DNA found in the mitochondria of muscle cells. These changes appear to play a role in the muscles’ ability to retrain,” explains Tinna Stevnsner.

The researchers now aim to gain a deeper understanding of what these epigenetic changes actually entail.

“What we are interested in is, first, what these epigenetic changes lead to, which molecular mechanisms are affected, and what it is that does not function optimally in older adults. At the same time, we want to investigate whether different types of exercise - for example strength training or endurance exercise - have different effects on this system,” says Tinna Stevnsner.

In the long term, the results of the project may lead to more precise recommendations on which types of exercise are most beneficial for older adults - particularly for those who do not experience progress despite regular physical activity.

The research project is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, which has awarded a total of DKK 17 million. Of this amount, DKK 15 million is earmarked specifically for the project.

“This is an important recognition of our research, and it means that we can carry out the research we want to pursue - within a field in which we believe we have strong expertise,” says Tinna Stevnsner with a smile.

The project will run for four years and will commence on 1 May 2026.