Week 10 (11) Flashcards
What is peak performance?
- from ~25-30 years
- across physical, health, sexual maturing and motor performance
- different body systems are working together more efficiently
Describe the differences in physical development during adolescence vs peak performance age
Adolescence
- rapid growth spurt
- developing heigh and muscle mass
Peak performance age
- maximal muscle strength
- maximal muscle strength
- cardiorespiratory function
Describe the differences in motor control and coordination during adolescence vs peak performance age
Adolescence
- still refining motor skills
- movement patterns may be inconsistent
- disruptions from physical growth changes
Peak performance age
- highly refined motor control
- efficient movement execution
- peak reaction time
Describe the differences in cognitive development during adolescence vs peak performance age
Adolescence
- developing cognitive skills
- decision-making can be impulsive
- struggle with complex tactical thinking
Peak Performance Age
- strategic thinking
- experience-based decision-making
- better problem-solving
What are the gender differences in performance?
- historical trends: females reach peak performance 1-2 years before males
- significant increases in peak performance ages for females
What are the age differences in performance?
- younger adults generally better at strength, speed, endurance tasks
- older athletes better at high skill level tasks with less physical demands
What is the genetic theory for aging?
DNA sets the blueprint - cellular clock - for how long we’ll live
What is the wear and tear theory of aging?
the more we use our body, the more it has to endure
- limited evidence to support this
What is the cellular garbage theory of aging?
free radicals
- unstable molecules that react with other molecules and damage cells
- cause random, unpredictable damage and modification
cross-linking theory
- chemical bonds between molecules that result in loss of functionality, rigidity, stiffness
- reduce elasticity of skin, increase risk of hypertension, heart disease
What are the immune system theories of aging?
- decline in immune response and distinguishing abilities
- accumulated effects of diseases
What are the hormonal theories of aging?
- atrophy of thymus gland - involved in immune functioning
- loss of growth hormone
Decline with aging may be inevitable but activity may ____________________
slow the rate of decline
What is the regression of balance with advanced aging?
- neuronal loss
- reduction in tactile sensitivity
- declines in
→ focusing on close objects
→ depth perception - many factors may be at play (disease, weak muscles, motion, limitations, visual deficits etc)
- greater sway
What is the regression of skeletal tissue with advanced aging?
- females lose ~30% of bone mass between 35-70 years old
- males lose ~10-15% of bone mass between 55-70 years old
How does the regression of skeletal tissue with advanced aging impact movement?
bone mass loss → bone is less dense, weaker bones → fear of harm and risk of injury → older people may move less for fear of harm, reduce risk of injury
What is the regression of body fat with advanced aging?
- body fat increase from ~30 to 55-60 years old
- will vary based on activity
How does the regression of body fat with advanced aging impact movement?
- heart has to do more work
- more body fat %: less ability to move total body weight
- does not add force producing capability
- harder to run, harder to jump
How does the movement pattern of walking change as we age? Why?
- movement is slower
- shorter steps, strides, step height
- wider steps, out-toeing increases
- less pelvic rotation
- less ankle extension
why?: lower activity levels, caustiousness
How does the movement pattern of jumping change as we age?
- less knee flexion and leg extension
- decreased jump height
How does the movement pattern of running change as we age?
- less knee flexion and leg extension
- short stride, more steps needed to reach distance
How does the movement pattern of throwing and striking change as we age?
- slower movements
- less flexion and extension
- activity levels is an indicator; more activity = faster, more coordinated, more range of motion; maintain good levels (slow rate of decrement)
How can physical activity be a protective factor?
- maintaining moderate physical activity throughout life is linked mortality
- sedentariness and low physical activity linked to chronic conditions like heart disease
