Research

Energy balance

Mitochondrial efficiency (P/O ratio) is positively related to exercise efficiency (Gross and Net Efficiency) in older adults, and both are reduced by physical inactivity.

Your body's ability to convert oxygen into energy (mitochondrial efficiency) directly impacts how efficiently you move during exercise. Staying physically active helps maintain this efficiency, making your workouts feel easier and less taxing. This link highlights why consistent aerobic activity is beneficial for overall movement quality.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
We found that both GE and NE efficiencies were similar between the active groups and lower in the OS group... we found that mitochondrial P/O ratio was also positively related to both GE (R2 = 0.22, P = 0.01) and NE (R2 = 0.13, P = 0.049)
Giovanna Distéfano et al. · Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle · 2018

Why this rating

Strong observational data with specific correlation coefficients provided.

Source

Physical activity unveils the relationship between mitochondrial energetics, muscle quality, and physical function in older adults

Giovanna Distéfano et al. · Journal of Cachexia Sarcopenia and Muscle · 2018

DOI 10.1002/jcsm.12272

cross_sectional · n=39Cited 169×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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