Aging & Exercise Flashcards
When does strength significantly decrease with age
60+ 1-2% per year
70-80 yr. olds have 20-40% lower isometric strength than young adults
How does strength decrease with age?
max Power and force-generating capacity decrease
max velocity does not decrease
What happens to muscle fibre size with age
motor units lost at 50+
Fibre/muscle size decreases 30+
How can aging strength decrease be counter acted?
resistance training can increase muscle mass and therefore increase metabolic rate reducing body fat and maintaining muscle strength
How does neural function decrease with age?
40% decline in spinal cord axons
10% decrease in nerve conduction velocity
How does nerve conduction velocity decrease
decreased soma size
increased internal distance between nodes of Ranvier
preferential of loss of fastest conducting axons
How is respiratory function effected by age?
gradual deterioration occurs (natural process)
How can lung deterioration be combatted?
aerobic training can improve functional capacity
How is cardiovascular function effected by age?
VO2max decreases at 1-2% per year
less decrease in active individuals
Why does sprint power decrease with age
reduced stride length
increase of ground contact time
What is cerebral vasoconstriction
A reduction of blood flow to the brain - leads to cognitive decline
Physical activity can decrease this
