Neurophysiological Adaptations to Lifelong Endurance Training in Master Athletes: Mechanisms and Implications for Aging Performance

Ghazzagh, Abdolrahman; Koushki, Ashkan; Aghaalinejad, Hamid

doi:10.22054/nass.2026.93910.1244

Neurophysiological Adaptations to Lifelong Endurance Training in Master Athletes: Mechanisms and Implications for Aging Performance

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

abdolrahman ghazzagh ¹

ashkan koushki ²

hamid aghaalinejad ¹

¹ Department of Sport Sciences and Wellness, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares. University, Tehran, Iran

² Department of Sport Sciences and Wellness, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares. University, Tehran, Iran https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5847-7564,

https://doi.org/10.22054/nass.2026.93910.1244

Abstract

Aging induces neurophysiological changes across central and peripheral systems motor unit loss, fiber-type shifts, neuromuscular junction degeneration, and reduced spinal corticospinal excitability leading to declines in strength, power, motor control, and performance. To synthesize mechanisms of age related neuromuscular decline and evaluate how lifelong endurance training, using master athletes as a model, modifies these changes. Narrative review of studies on motor-unit remodeling, reflex pathway adaptations (H reflex, V wave), muscle contractile properties, and central drive in aging and with endurance training, with comparisons between master endurance athletes and sedentary peers. Lifelong endurance training preserves motor unit numbers, sustains spinal reflex excitability, and enhances fatigue resistance and submaximal performance. Nevertheless, it does not fully prevent age related losses in maximal strength, rate of force development, and fast twitch fiber function. These deficits respond best to resistance and power training that recruit high threshold motor units and augment central drive. Endurance training attenuates but does not abolish neuromuscular aging. Master athletes illustrate the protective role of chronic activity. The most effective strategy for functional capacity and fall-risk reduction in older adults is a multimodal program combining endurance with resistance, power, and neuromotor training to preserve strength, speed, and control.

Keywords

Aging

Master athletes

Motor units

Neuromuscular adaptation

Endurance training

Resistance training

Subjects