Unit 2 - Age-Related Changes to MS System

Question 1

How do muscle change with age? (3)

Answer 1

• reduced strength and mobility
• sarcopenia - loss of skeletal strength and function associated with frailty
• ROM becomes limited

Question 2

Why is the musculoskeletal system important when it comes to age-related changes in mobility? (4)

Answer 2

• changes in ligaments, joints, and tendons have the most effect on function
• they become dry, hardened, and less flexible if joint space decreases
• Bone mass decreases (lose strength and become brittle)
• muscles change

Question 3

What are some age related changes to gait? (8)

Answer 3

• narrowing of standing base
• wider side to side swaying when walking (body sway)
• slower rxn time
• greater reliance on proprioception
• proprioception can be reduced
• steps are slower
• decrease in height step
  -changes more pronounced in people with sedentary lifestyles

Question 4

What is proprioception? (4)

Answer 4

• the sense of movements and position of the body in space
• independent of vision
• combo. of brain and muscles
• gets worse with age but rely on it more

Question 5

What is osteoarthritis? (4)

Answer 5

• normal soft and resilient lining become damaged
• bones of the joint rub together, causing joint destruction
• osteophytes cause deformation and deterioration
• can be chronic

Question 6

What is the theory on how osteoarthritis develops? (2)

Answer 6

• result of the body’s failed attempt to repair joints and tissues that are damaged due to abnormal joint loading, joint injury, and obesity
• genetics play a role

Question 7

What are risk factors associated with osteoarthritis? (5)

Answer 7

• age
• obesity
• family history
• repetitive use of joint end
• trauma to joint

Question 8

How many people have osteoarthritis? (2)

Answer 8

• most common type of arthritis worldwide and a leading cause of disability
• 1/10 Canadians, higher with women and indigenous people

Question 9

How can the risk and impact of developing osteoarthritis be reduced? (2)

Answer 9

• keep normal weight
• less pressure on joints

Question 10

What are some symptoms associated with impaired mobility? (4)

Answer 10

1. pain
   - disease progression assoc. with increased pain, even at rest
2. unstable joints
   - instability and crepitus assoc. with joint deformation
3. stiffness
   - greater in morning and relieved with activity
4. enlarged joints
   - can have decreased ROM

Question 11

What are the most common joints? (6)

Answer 11

• hip
• neck
• knee
• lower back
• fingers
• thumbs