The Effect of Statins on Exercise Performance and Exercise Training

Statins increase the creatine kinase release from skeletal muscle, a sign of muscle injury. This chapter discusses studies that examined the effect of statins on: (1) skeletal muscle strength, (2) aerobic exercise performance, (3) skeletal muscle and cardiac biomarkers during exercise, (4) training for athletic competition, and (5) physical activity adherence. The majority of evidence does not demonstrate a deleterious effect of statin therapy on exercise performance or training, although the populations that appear to be at greatest risk of exercise-induced statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) include older adults and athletes, especially those participating in prolonged or intense forms of exercise.