摘要:

Inactivity in old age has a profound, deleterious effect on functional capacity and quality of life. However, research on strength training has consistently shown that older adults are capable of marked improvements in force-generating capacity. Such improvements in strength may lead to improvements in functional capability, which, for the oldest old, is vital to the maintenance of community independence. Since gains in strength for the older adult who resistance trains far exceed the gains in lean mass, most of the strength increase is due to enhanced neural activation. Important research directions for the future are to determine what magnitudes of strength gain are necessary for improvements in functional aspects of movement such as balance, flexibility, or speed of reaction and the prevention of frailty in the very old by initiating appropriate exercise programs before significant functional deterioration occurs.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

A number of studies have investigated strength training interventions for the institutionalized older adult. These interventions have ranged from flexibility/active range of motion exercises, progressive walking programs, low to high intensity strength training, repetition of functional tasks, low to high equipment technology, isometric and dynamic muscle contractions, to general calisthenics. Intervention durations ranged from 4 weeks to 3 years. Frequency ranged from twice per week to several short sessions per day, with the majority of programs meeting three times per week. High intensity, individualized strength training using machines has been shown to produce dramatic strength gains. Group-based strength training programs using inexpensive equipment have also produced significant improvement in muscle strength and functional mobility. Safety of the strength training protocols used has been demonstrated, and the effects of immobility for this population of older adults have been suggested to pose greater health dangers than the exercise intervention.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

This article describes changes in muscle fiber size and type, motor unit remodeling, altered recruitment patterns, and a sedentary lifestyle, which are often causes of muscle weakness in many aging adults. While some age-related losses of function appear unavoidable, it is also apparent that older persons can capitalize on their relatively higher eccentric strength reserve and use it advantageously in training protocols. Appropriate exercise prescription, such as gradual progression of intensity, an emphasis regarding safe body mechanics and posture, and frequent feedback on improvements, will help to optimize gains during resistance training, leading to increased maximal strength and endurance capacity for activities of leisure and daily living.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

The collective evidence indicates that the response to heavy-resistance training in older men and women, even above the age of 90 years, is mediated through a combination of hypertrophy of both muscle fiber types and an adaptation in the nervous system. Data also suggest that weaker, older individuals respond with greater muscle hypertrophy than do relatively active older individuals and that life-long strength training can counteract some of the age-related sarcopenia. The potential for muscle hypertrophy through heavy-resistance training should be incorporated into prevention, treatment, and/or rehabilitation programs for older individuals.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

In conjunction with muscular weakness, older adults demonstrate impaired control of movements requiring submaximal force. Previous research has demonstrated strength training improved performance of sit-to-stand and gait tasks in frail elders, yet the nature of this neuromuscular adaptation remains unclear. Current understanding of age-related neuromuscular change suggests that remodeling of motor units occurs, including increased motor unit size and force, which leads to alterations in the neural strategies for force and movement control. Although the overall capacity to generalize training effects across tasks or exercise modalities appears impaired, there are positive, specific training-related adaptations that occur in elders. These observations hold potential for improving the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Resistance training is now recognized as an important component of regularly attained physical activity, particularly for older adults. As such, specific recommendations have been made for optimal benefits. Training should ultimately include 8 to 10 exercises for the major muscle groups and be performed at a moderate to high intensity level for at least one of the sets, 2 to 3 days per week. Strength training terminology will be defined and these recommendations will be reviewed.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

This review discusses the physiologic age-related changes in both contractile and neural aspects of the motor unit (MU), summarizing mainly studies on human muscles. The substantial weakness, slowed movements, and reduction in force control seen in old age cannot be accounted for solely by loss of muscle mass. Factors such as changes in contractile quality, specific tension, and neurologic mechanisms must be considered. The only commonality to date is that loss of neuromuscular function is specific to the muscle group, the task, history of use, and possibly gender. Since there is a functional relationship between contractile and neural properties of the MU, these aspects need to be studied together and their age-related changes evaluated and correlated to better understand neuromuscular weakness with age. Although there are many reports of the positive benefits of strength training for aged humans, the relative contributions of the different aspects of the MU to improved function are not well understood. One goal in this field is to better understand the mechanisms associated with strength improvements in order to develop the most appropriate rehabilitation programs for aged humans.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

摘要:

Stroke can be a devastating event, leaving survivors with residual motor deficits that impact negatively on quality of life. Leisure is the most significant predictor of quality of life in adults with disabilities and is greatly reduced following stroke. Therapeutic Golf is an innovative rehabilitation approach that integrates physiotherapy and golf for individuals following stroke. Therapeutic Golf encourages the learning of a new motor skill and participation in leisure activities. This comprehensive, task-oriented approach may increase motivation to participate in therapy and may improve quality of life. This article describes the strengthening component of a Therapeutic Golf program following stroke. A brief review of the muscle groups used during golf and principles for strengthening activities are presented.

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID

ISSN:0882-7524    

出版商:OVID    

年代:2000

数据来源: OVID