UniPavia’s study on 92‑year‑old sprinter Emma Mazzenga shows exercise preserves ageing
Background: Emma Mazzenga and the Age‑Defying Sprint
Emma Mazzenga, now 92, is a living testament to the benefits of long‑term physical activity. Born in Padua, she accumulated a remarkable record of 11 world titles, 31 European titles, and 115 national championships before taking a brief hiatus and returning to competitive sprinting at 53. Recently, she broke the world record in the 200‑metre race for her age group twice, a feat that grabbed the attention of researchers across Italy and the United States.
University of Pavia’s Role in the International Study
The University of Pavia’s Human Integrative Physiology of Exercise (HIPE) laboratory and the Inter‑disciplinary Centre for Sports Biology and Medicine (CISB‑M) joined forces under the PRIN 2020 “Trajectorage” project. Together with partners from the University of Padua, University of Parma, Politecnico di Milano, and Politecnico di Torino, the team conducted an in‑depth biological analysis of Mazzenga’s muscle tissue, nerves, and mitochondria to understand how she maintains exceptional sprint performance at such an advanced age.
Key Physiological Findings
- Muscle fibre composition aligns closely with a healthy individual in their 70s, indicating a preserved ability to generate force.
- Blood flow and muscle oxygenation in Mazzenga match those of a 20‑year‑old sprinter, suggesting efficient vascular function.
- Her mitochondrial efficiency remains high, supporting sustained aerobic capacity and recovery.
- Overall, the data support the hypothesis that consistent, high‑intensity training can attenuate age‑related declines in key physical capabilities.
Implications for Older Athletes and the General Population
While Emma’s achievements are extraordinary, the broader lesson is clear: regular, structured exercise can preserve physiological functions typically lost with age. Researchers note that age‑related losses in muscle mass, circulation, and mitochondrial performance are not inevitable if training is maintained throughout life. This finding is particularly encouraging for people in their 60s and 70s aiming to stay active and independent.
Practical Exercise Recommendations for Adults Over 60
- Incorporate resistance work: Aim for two or more sessions per week using free weights, resistance bands, or body‑weight exercises that target major muscle groups.
- Add interval training: Short bursts of high‑intensity effort followed by recovery periods can improve VO₂ max and mitochondrial health without over‑stressing joints.
- Prioritise mobility and flexibility: Daily dynamic stretches and yoga can maintain range of motion and help prevent injury.
- Monitor progress: Track metrics such as 400‑metre time, grip strength, or heart‑rate recovery to adjust intensity and ensure continued adaptation.
Always consult a healthcare professional before initiating a new training program, especially if you have chronic conditions or a history of injury.
How the University is Expanding Research and Outreach
With the success of the Mazzenga case study, the University of Pavia plans to expand its research portfolio to include longitudinal monitoring of athletes across multiple age groups. The institution is actively recruiting participants for upcoming trials and is collaborating with regional health agencies to translate findings into community health initiatives.
Conclusion
Emma Mazzenga’s sprinting career demonstrates that age‑related decline is not a closed chapter. Exercise, especially when sustained over decades, retains muscular, vascular, and mitochondrial qualities that enable high‑level performance. This research underscores the importance of lifelong fitness and provides a scientific foundation for developing age‑specific training protocols.
Explore the University of Pavia’s research database to learn more about studies in aging and sports science.