Aging and COVID- 19 are known to influence DNA methylation, potentially affecting the rate of aging and the risk of disease. The physiological functions of 54 volunteers—including maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂ max), grip strength, and vertical jump—were assessed just before the COVID- 19 pandemic and again 3 years later. Of these volunteers, 27 had contracted COVID- 19. Eight epigenetic clocks were used to assess the rate of agin...

DNAmPhenoAge, DNAmGrimAge, and the newly developed DNAmFitAge are DNA methylation (DNAm)-based biomarkers that reflect the individual aging process. Here, we examine the relationship between physical fitness and DNAm-based biomarkers in adults aged 33–88 with a wide range of physical fitness (including athletes with long-term training history). Higher levels of VO 2 max ( ρ = 0.2, p = 6.4E − 4, r = 0.19, p = 1.2E − 3), Jumpmax...