Aerobic Exercise Performance and Muscle Strength in Statin Users—The LIFESTAT Study

Introduction Statins are widely used in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The treatment increases the risk of muscle pain (myalgia) which can affect muscle function and levels of physical activity. We investigated whether statin-associated myalgia is coupled to impaired aerobic exercise performance including fat oxidation as well as impaired muscle strength. Methods A population-based survey (6000 people) was performed to assess the prevalence of statin-associated myalgia in the Danish population. In addition, 64 statin users in primary prevention with myalgia (M; n = 25; 61 ± 1 years) or without myalgia (NM; n = 37; 63 ± 1 years) as well as a control group not taking statins (C; n = 20; 60 ± 2 years) were enrolled in a cross-sectional study where they performed aerobic exercise and muscle strength tests. Results The response rate for the survey was 51 % and data showed a prevalence of statin-associated myalgia in 19 % of responders using statins. The experimental study showed no difference between the groups in aerobic capacity (C: 29 ± 1; M: 27 ± 1; NM: 28 ± 1 ml O2·min-1·kg-1) or maximal fat oxidation (C: 247 ± 26; M: 295 ± 24; NM: 279 ± 17 mg·min-1). Measurements of strength were similar in all three groups including rate of force development (C: 795 ± 56; M: 930 ± 93; NM: 971 ± 57 Nm·s-1) and leg extension power (C: 2.6 ± 0.2; M: 2.3 ± 0.1; NM: 2.4 ± 0.1 W·kg-1). All results are mean ± SEM. Conclusion Statin users in primary prevention experiencing myalgia do not have impaired aerobic exercise performance or muscle strength compared to non-myalgic statin users or control subjects. Correspondence: Thomas Morville, Xlab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, DK-2200 N, Copenhagen, Denmark. Phone: +45 29602891. thomasmor@sund.ku.dk The authors declare no conflict of interest in relation to the present scientific paper. The results of the present study do not constitute endorsement by ACSM. Authors declare that the results of the study are presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation. This study was funded by the Nordea Foundation and the University of Copenhagen 2016 Center of Excellence grant. Accepted for publication: 3 February 2019. © 2019 American College of Sports Medicine

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