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.
Problem:
Age-related bias by physical therapists
*Same case given to PT’s with age 28 vs 78
*PT’s were significantly less aggressive with 78 yo
What are age-related changes to the MSK system?
Loss of Muscle Mass (Sarcopenia)
Decline in Joint Health
Reduced Tendon Elasticity
Decreased Recovery Capacity
Changes in Balance and Coordination
Loss of Muscle Mass (Sarcopenia)
After the age of 30, muscle mass decreases by approximately 3-5% per decade, with a more rapid decline after age 60.
This leads to a loss in strength and power, affecting athletic performance and increasing injury risk
Reduction in the number of fast-twitch (Type II) muscle fibers, which are responsible for quick, explosive movements, making it more difficult to perform high-intensity, dynamic activities.
Decline in Joint Health
degeneration of joint cartilage, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis, which can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility
ligaments and tendons become stiffer and less flexible with age, limiting range of motion and making it more challenging to perform movements that require full joint mobility
Osteopenia or osteoporosis can occur with age, especially in postmenopausal women
Are Exercise Programs Effective for Aging Athletes?
Resistance Training
Flexibility and Mobility Exercises
Cardiovascular and Aerobic Training
Balance and Coordination Training
Bones:
less pliable, more brittle (demineralization) = easier to fracture
Muscle: (sarcopenia)
Cellular level:
Decreased blood supply, motor neurons
Decreased muscle fibers (Fast twitch)
*Anaerobic
Muscle: (sarcopenia)
Whole muscle level:
Fatty infiltration (muscle quality)
Reduced CSA = decreased mass and strength
Resistance training for elderly:
there are no nonresponders to resistance-type exercise training in older men and women
Everyone improved in at least 1 variable
____ Training is more effective
High Intensity
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
