Unit 1: Effects of Aging and the Pulmonary System

Question 1

What is the limiting factor on exercise in older persons when compared to younger persons?

Answer 1

Pulmonary system limits older persons

Cardiac system limits younger persons

Question 2

What changes in the chest wall occur with age?

Answer 2

• Increased collagen fiber cross-linking
  
  • Decreased ROM of costovertebral joints
  • Increased reliance on diaphragm​
• Loss of proteoglycan and water content in intervertebral discs
  
  • Increased Kyphosis
  • Increased work of breathing

Question 3

What age related lung tissue changes are reflected in Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT)?

Answer 3

• Decreased forced vital capacity
• Decreased forced expiratory volume (FEV₁) - _{how much air you can get out in 1second}
• Decreased forced expiratory flow (FEF_25%-75%)
• Decreased FEF_200-1200

Question 4

What is increased closing volume in older persons?

Answer 4

Definition: voume of the lung at which dependent airways begin to close during expiration.

• 10% VC in young, 40% VC in older (~65 y/o)

Question 5

What does loss of elastic recoil in the lungs cause with age?

Answer 5

Increased residual volume (RV): in amt of air stuck inside → look barrel chested like emphazema patient.

Question 6

What changes in the functional units of the lungs: alveoli and alveolar ducts?

Answer 6

• Functional units become larger → dec surface area → dec diffusing capacity
• Dec atrial O₂ levels

Question 7

What happens to the number of pulmonary capillaries with age?

Answer 7

Decreased amount

Question 8

What 4 changes occur with age in motor units?

Answer 8

1. Dec size of Type IIx _{-<em>used in rapid breathing</em>}
2. Dec # of Type I & II fibers
3. Dec # of motor units
4. Dec capability of neuromuscular junction to transit impulses _{<em>- harder to make muslce contraction</em>}

Question 9

What happens to the length tension relationship for the diaphragm with age?

Answer 9

• Less domeshaped at end-expiration - due to inc RV.
• Inc need for accessory muscles - especially w/exercise
• Dec TV with exerciss

Question 10

What happens to the strength and endurance of the diaphragm with age?

Answer 10

• Strength: dec up to 25% in older adults
• Endurance: dec in maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV)