aging athlete Flashcards
considerations for the aging athlete
Increasing life expectancy + aging population = More people active at later life stages
* Advances in MSK medicine resulting in ability to maintain active lifestyle
* E.g. Total joint replacement
* Frequently have co-morbidities to take into account
* May negatively impact healing potential, function, etc
problems:
Age-related bias by physical therapists (Kvitek 1986)
* Same case given to PT’s with age 28 vs 78
* PT’s were significantly less aggressive with 78 yo
* Probably has not changed much today
* Should we be less aggressive
age related changes
Bones: less pliable, more brittle (demineralization) = easier to fracture
* Muscle: (sarcopenia)
* Cellular level:
* Decreased blood supply, motor neurons
* Decreased muscle fibers (Fast twitch)
* Anaerobic
* Whole muscle level:
* Fatty infiltration (muscle quality)
* Reduced CSA = decreased mass and strength
resistance training for elderly
everyone improved in at least 1 variable
high intensity training is more effective
aging athlete
Elderly can improve muscle performance with proper dosage/training
* High intensity programs are most effective
* May require more recovery time in between sessions due to decreased metabolism
* Consider assessing/targeting anaerobic movements due to type II fiber loss
* Power more important than strength for function movements
* Ascending/descending stairs, getting out of chair, stepping strategies to reduce falls
* Rule of thumb for sports after joint replacement
* Resume pre-injury level of function
