Sarcopenia leads to which of the following outcomes?

Sarcopenia is characterized by the progressive and involuntary loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength that occurs as a part of the aging process. This condition affects the body’s muscle fibers and can significantly impact physical functioning. As people age, there is a natural decline in muscle fibers, especially type II (fast-twitch) fibers, which contribute to overall strength and power.

The focus on involuntary loss in this context is crucial, as sarcopenia happens without an individual's intent or voluntary action, distinguishing it from scenarios where loss could occur due to personal lifestyle choices or active withdrawal from physical activity. While factors like reduced physical activity can exacerbate the condition, the fundamental aspect of sarcopenia is that it is not a voluntary process.

In contrast, other options relate to voluntary actions or aspects that are not directly associated with sarcopenia—like cardiovascular endurance—which indicates that they do not reflect the medically recognized consequences of muscle loss due to aging. Thus, the correct choice highlights the involuntary nature of muscle loss related to sarcopenia, emphasizing its significance in the study of motor development and aging.