Biomedical subjects

J E Graves

Publications and source records attributed to J E Graves.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1997

Isometric torso rotation strength: effect of training frequency on its development.

OBJECTIVE: To examine training frequency's effect on torso rotation muscle strength. DESIGN: The study followed a pretest-posttest randomized-group design. SETTING: University laboratory. PATIENTS: Subjects, 33 men (age 30 +/- 11yr) and 25 women (age 28 +/- 10yr) with no history of low back pain, volunteered to participate in the study and were tested for isometric (IM) torso rotation strength before (T1) and after (T2) 12 weeks of training. Measurements of maximal voluntary IM torso rotation torque (N.m) were made through a 108 degrees range of motion (54 degrees, 36 degrees, 18 degrees, 0 degree, -18 degrees, -36 degrees, -54 degrees). Subjects were stratified by peak torque at T1, and randomized to a nonexercising control group (C, n = 10), or groups that trained once a week (1x/wk, n = 16), twice a week (2x/wk, n = 17), or three times a week (3x/wk, n = 15); and all groups were similar in strength. INTERVENTIONS: Training consisted of 8 to 12 repetitions of full range dynamic variable resistance exercise to volitional fatigue, for both left and right rotation. MAIN OUTCOME: To determine the best training frequency for the development of torso rotation strength. RESULTS: Relative improvements (average increase in strength gained at each angle) for the training groups were 4.9%, 16.3%, and 11.9% for the 1, 2, and 3x/wk groups, respectively. The 1x/wk group did not increase in IM torso rotation strength compared to the control group at any angle. Both the 2 and 3x/ wk groups increased their IM torso rotation strength compared to the control group at all but one angle. There were no significant differences in IM torso rotation strength between the groups that trained 2 or 3x/wk. During the training period, the 2 and 3x/wk groups increased their dynamic training load significantly more than the 1x/wk group. CONCLUSIONS: Posttraining dynamic strength was not different between training frequencies of 2 and 3x/wk. Therefore, training the rotary torso muscles 2x/wk is recommended.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Twenty-year follow-up of aerobic power and body composition of older track athletes.

The purpose was to determine the aerobic power (maximal oxygen uptake) and body composition of older track athletes after a 20-yr follow-up (T3). At 20 yr, 21 subjects [mean ages: 50.5 +/- 8.5 yr at initial evaluation (T1), 60.2 +/- 8.8 yr at 10-yr follow-up (T2), and 70.4 +/- 8.8 yr at 20-yr follow-up (T3)] were divided into three intensity groups: high (H; remained elite; n = 9); moderate (M; continued frequent moderate-to-rigorous endurance training; n = 10); and low (L; greatly reduced training; n = 2). All groups decreased in maximal oxygen uptake at each testing point (H, 8 and 15%; M, 13 and 14%; and L, 18 and 34% from T1 to T2 and T2 to T3, respectively). Maximal heart rate showed a linear decrease of approximately 5-7 beats.min-1.decade-1 and was independent of training status. Body weight remained stable for the H and M groups and percent fat increased approximately 2-2.5%/decade. Although fat-free weight decreased at each testing point, there was a trend for those who began weight-training exercise to better maintain it. Cross-sectional analysis at T3 showed that leg strength and bone mineral density were generally maintained from age 60 to 89 yr. Those who performed weight training had a greater arm region bone mineral density than those who did not. These longitudinal data show that the physiological capacities of older athletes are reduced despite continued vigorous endurance exercise over a 20-yr period (approximately 8-15%/decade). Changes in body composition appeared to be less than those shown for the healthy sedentary population and were related to changes in training habits.

Aged↗

PubMed1997

Phylogenetic analysis of Perkinsus based on actin gene sequences.

Perkinsus species presently are classified within the phylum Apicomplexa. This placement, however, is controversial. Based upon morphological observations and phylogenetic analyses of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene, it has been suggested that Perkinsus may be more closely related to dinoflagellates. To reevaluate the phylogenetic position of Perkinsus, we obtained nucleotide sequence data for actin genes from Perkinsus marinus and 2 dinoflagellates, Prorocentrum minimum and Amphidinium carterae. Results indicated that there are 2 closely related actin genes in the genome of P. marinus. Phylogenetic comparisons of these actin gene fragments of P. marinus to available actin gene sequences for several ciliates and apicomplexans and to the 2 actin gene sequences from dinoflagellates obtained in this study supported a closer affinity of P. marinus to dinoflagellates than to apicomplexans.

Actins↗

PubMed1996

Relative heart rate, heart rate reserve, and VO2 during submaximal exercise in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among relative maximal heart rate (%HRmax), maximal heart rate reserve (%HRmax reserve), and maximal oxygen uptake (%VO2max) during submaximal exercise by elderly subjects. METHODS: VO2max and HRmax were determined on 36 women and 19 men, 60 to 80 yrs of age, by a maximal treadmill test to volitional exhaustion. On a separate day, subjects underwent a submaximal treadmill protocol consisting of three 6-min exercise stages at treadmill speeds and grades estimated to elicit 40%, 60%, and 80% of HRmax reserve. Cardiorespiratory responses were determined during mins 4-5 and 5-6 of each stage. RESULTS: Measured exercise intensities expressed by the three methods were: %HRmax reserve = 36, 55, and 79%; %HRmax = 65, 75, and 88%; %VO2max = 53, 69, and 88%. %HRmax was greater (p < .05) than %VO2max at 53 and 69% of VO2max. %HRmax reserve was less (p < .05) than %VO2max for all three intensities. Slopes and intercepts for the linear regression equations relating %VO2max with %HRmax and with %HRmax reserve differed between men and women (p < .05). The regression equation relating %VO2max and %HRmax was y = -22.8 + 1.2 (%HRmax) -13.0 (Gender) + 0.2 (%HRmax x Gender): standard error of the estimate (SEE) = 9.7% and R2 = .71. The regression equation relating %VO2max and %HRmax reserve was y = 32.4 + 0.7 (%HRmax reserve) -10.9 (Gender) + 0.2 (%HRmax reserve x Gender): SEE = 9.8% and R2 = .70 (Gender: F = 0; M = 1). CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that there is considerable variability among methods of expressing exercise intensity and that %HRmax more closely represents %VO2max than does %HRmax reserve (p < .05) in older adults. These results are in contrast to what has been shown with younger subjects and with American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for exercise prescription.

Aged↗

PubMed1996

Effect of resistance training volume on strength and muscle thickness.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different volumes of high-intensity resistance training on isometric torque and muscle thickness. Training was conducted three times per week using one set (low volume, EX-1, N = 18) or three sets (high volume, EX-3, N = 20) of dynamic variable resistance exercise. Ten subjects acted as nontraining controls (CONT). Bilateral knee extension (KEXT) and flexion (KFLEX) exercise was performed to fatigue within 8-12 repetitions for 14 wk. Maximal isometric KEXT and KFLEX torque was tested at 6 degrees, 24 degrees, 42 degrees, 60 degrees, 78 degrees, 96 degrees, and 108 degrees of KFLEX using a MedX (Ocala, FL) KEXT/KFLEX ergometer. The anterior (ANT), lateral (LAT), and posterior (POST) right thigh, the medialis muscle (MED), and the lateralis muscle (LATER) were assessed for thickness by B-mode ultrasound (ULTRA). Both training groups improved torque output at most angles, but there was no difference between EX-1 and EX-3 (P > or = 0.05). ULTRA detected increases in muscle thickness for EX-1 at 60% LAT and 40% and 60% POST. EX-3 increased muscle thickness at the MED, and 40% and 60% POST. In conclusion, one set of high intensity resistance training was as effective as three sets for increasing KEXT and KFLEX isometric torque and muscle thickness in previously untrained adults.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

The lack of effect of aerobic exercise training on propranolol pharmacokinetics in young and elderly adults.

The effects of exercise training on the pharmacokinetics of orally administered propranolol were studied in young and elderly healthy volunteers. Twenty-three young (30 +/- 5 years of age) and 20 elderly (67 +/- 5 years of age) adults were randomly assigned to endurance training (N = 12 young subjects, 10 elderly subjects) or nonexercising control (N = 11 young subjects, 10 elderly subjects) groups. Training consisted of treadmill walking, stair climbing, or both three times per week for 40 minutes at 70-85% of maximal heart rate reserve for 16 weeks. Resting plasma propranolol concentrations after a single dose of 80 mg of oral propranolol were measured by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection, and estimated hepatic blood flow measured was measured using indocyanine green during supine test. Aerobic training increased maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) by 13% and 14% in the exercising young and elderly groups, respectively. There was no change in VO2 max in either control group. Adjusted mean estimated hepatic blood flow after exercise corrected for body weight for the young subjects who did not exercise (15.6 mL/min/Kg) and those who did (18.2 mL/min/Kg) groups were of borderline significance. No statistical differences were detected in the experimental propranolol pharmacokinetic parameters (maximal concentration, time of maximal concentration, terminal half-life, area under the curve, and protein binding) or derived pharmacokinetic parameters (intrinsic clearance, bioavailability, clearance, and volume of distribution). These results provide evidence that changes in aerobic fitness do not produce corresponding changes in propranolol pharmacokinetics in young or elderly adults.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1995

The short- and long-term effects of methotrexate on the rat skeleton.

Both clinical and laboratory studies have shown that the chemotherapy drug, Methotrexate (MTX), has adverse short-term effects on bone. There are no studies that demonstrate the long-term response of bone to MTX. The purpose of this study was to determine the short- and long-term effects of MTX on bone volume, turnover, mineralization and strength. Three-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a control (CTL) or MTX group and were given either daily MTX or saline injections for two separate 5-day courses (5 on/9 off/5 on). Fluorochrome compounds were injected prior to killing to label actively mineralizing bone surfaces. One CTL and MTX group were killed at 30, 80 and 170 days after treatment. Both femurs and tibiae were harvested for cancellous and cortical bone histomorphometry and biomechanical testing (torsion). Standard cancellous and cortical histomorphometric parameters were measured from undecalcified, methyl-methacrylate-embedded sections from the right proximal tibia and tibial and femoral diaphyses. The contralateral femur and tibia were torsionally loaded to failure and standard mechanical parameters were measured. All bone responses were statistically analyzed using a two-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's multiple comparison procedure (significance: p = 0.05). Cancellous bone volume was significantly lower in the MTX-treated group at 80 and 170 days. Cancellous mineralizing surface and longitudinal bone growth were significantly depressed at all time points yet mineral apposition rate was only depressed at the 170-day point. Cancellous osteoclast surface was increased at all time points for the MTX-treated animals.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1995

Selective impairment of acetylcholine-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation in isolated resistance arteries of the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.

1. There is growing evidence that an impairment in the function of nitric oxide synthase may play a role in the vascular complications of diabetes mellitus. The relaxation of resistance arteries from the mesenteric and hindlimb circulations of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and age-matched controls were investigated using two endothelium-dependent vasodilators, bradykinin and acetylcholine, and the endothelium-independent vasodilator sodium nitroprusside. The contractile responses to the alpha 1-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine were also studied. 2. Endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine was impaired in the diabetic rats in arteries from both mesenteric and hindlimb circulations (hindlimb pEC50, 7.93 +/- 0.08 in the control compared with 7.38 +/- 0.10 in the diabetic rat; mesenteric pEC50, 7.47 +/- 0.04 in the control compared with 6.65 +/- 0.06 in the diabetic rat; unpaired t-test P < 0.0001). Bradykinin elicited relaxation in only the mesenteric arteries, and this was not attenuated in the diabetic rats compared with controls. 3. Endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside was similar in the two circulations and was not abnormal in the diabetic rats. There was no significant difference in constrictor responses to phenylephrine between diabetic rats and controls in either the hindlimb or mesenteric arteries, in contrast to an earlier study in which we showed increased sensitivity to noradrenaline. 4. The diabetic rats therefore demonstrated a specific impairment of receptor-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine. These results suggest that, in this diabetic model, the ability of the endothelium to relax arteries via nitric oxide may involve a defect of a specific signal transduction pathway, leading to reduced production of nitric oxide.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1995

Hormonal responses in elders experiencing pre-syncopal symptoms during head-up tilt before and after exercise training.

BACKGROUND: Hormonal responses of elderly individuals experiencing pre-syncopal symptoms during head-up tilt testing (HUT) were compared with responses of nonsymptomatic subjects both before (T1) and after (T2) 6 months of endurance training. METHODS: Based on responses to HUT at T1, 35 men and women (ages 61-79 years) were placed into symptomatic and nonsymptomatic groups for analysis. Symptomatic subjects (n = 5) experienced lightheadedness, nausea, sweating, or syncope during T1 HUT but completed 15 minutes of HUT at T2. Training consisted of treadmill walking or stairclimbing 3 x/wk, 30-45 min/day, at 75-85% of maximal heart rate reserve. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), vasopressin, aldosterone, norepinephrine, epinephrine, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were measured during supine rest prior to HUT, and either at the end of the 15-minute HUT or at symptom onset. Plasma volume (PV) was measured at supine rest; tilt-induced changes in PV were calculated from changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit. RESULTS: During T1 HUT, symptomatic subjects had greater increases in vasopressin and a greater rate of PV loss (p < .05). Increases in ACTH and aldosterone were greater in symptomatic subjects at T1 and T2, while increases in norepinephrine were greater at T2 (p < .05). Reductions in tilt-induced vasopressin concentration and a decreased rate of PV loss were seen at T2 in symptomatic subjects. CONCLUSIONS: T1 results from symptomatic subjects are consistent with greater stimulation of volume-sensitive receptors induced by a greater rate of fall in PV. Exercise training resulted in increased tilt tolerance for symptomatic subjects associated with reductions in vasopressin concentration and rate of PV loss during tilt.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Effect of 6 months of exercise training on cardiovascular responses to head-up tilt in the elderly.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of 6 months of exercise training on cardiovascular responses to 70 degrees head-up tilt (HUT) in the elderly. Forty-four elderly men and women (ages 60-82 years) were assigned to endurance training alone (n = 18), endurance training in combination with selected resistance exercises (n = 17), or to a non-exercising control group (n = 9). Head-up tilt testing at the start (T1) and end (T2) of 26 weeks of training consisted of 30 min of supine rest, 15 min of 70 degrees HUT, and 15 min of supine recovery. Endurance training consisted of uphill treadmill walking or stair climbing exercise 3 times per week, 30-45 min/day, at 75-85% of maximal heart rate reserve. In addition, the endurance/resistance group completed one set of 8-15 repetitions of biceps curl (BC), triceps extension (TE), and leg press, 3 times per week. After 26 weeks, increases in VO2max averaged 16.2% and 12.3% for endurance and endurance/resistance groups, respectively. In addition, the endurance/resistance group increased BC and TE strength by 25.3% and 26.1%, respectively. Results from the HUT test indicated that only the endurance group increased supine resting stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (Q) from T1 to T2; however, SV and Q during HUT were not augmented as a result of training. Training did not affect heart rate, blood pressure, or peripheral resistance responses at rest or during HUT in any of the groups. These results suggest that 6 months of endurance training, alone or in combination with selected resistance exercises, is not detrimental to blood pressure controlling mechanisms to head-up tilt in the elderly.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Body fat and muscle thickness distributions in untrained young females.

Brightness-mode (B-mode) ultrasound was used to measure fat and muscle thicknesses on 44 untrained females (age = 18-29 yr, body density = 1.050 +/- 0.009 (SD)g.ml-1, %fat = 21.5 +/- 4.1%) at eight sites (triceps, biceps, forearm, subscapular, abdomen, quadriceps, hamstrings, and posterior calf). The correlation coefficients between fat and muscle thickness were not significant at any measurement site except for the triceps (r = -0.32, P < 0.05). Intercorrelation analyses among the eight sites were significant (P < 0.05) in almost all cases for fat thickness, while mainly between adjoining sites for muscle thickness. However, both tissues had a low degree of generality in thickness among sites. Fat thickness at all measurement sites was significantly correlated with body density except for the posterior calf; the best correlation was found with the quadriceps (r = -0.73). On the other hand, for muscle thickness, only the forearm and triceps were significantly correlated with body density. These results show 1) the extent of muscled and fat thicknesses are independent each of other within the same region, 2) fat and muscle thicknesses have a high degree of specificity in site distribution, and 3) fat thickness measurements determined from B-mode ultrasound may be of significant value assessing total body composition.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1995

Effects of running on the torsional strength, morphometry, and bone mass of the rat skeleton.

Intensity and duration effects of weight-bearing exercise on the rat skeleton were investigated. Eighty-four 3-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control and nine exercise groups. Exercised rats were run on a treadmill for either 30, 60, or 90 min.d-1 at low (Vo2max approximately 55%), medium (VO2max approximately 65%), or high (VO2max approximately 75%) intensity 4 d.wk-1 for 10 wk. Rat femurs, tibias, and vertebrae were harvested for torsional mechanical tests, bone density assessment, and morphometry. Our results indicate exercise has a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the femoral mechanical response (energy absorbed and twist angle), tibial morphometry (cortical bone area and thickness), and tibial and vertebral bone density measurements but had no effect (P > 0.05) on bone strength when compared with control values. Higher intensity exercise decreased tibial and femoral torque (P < 0.05). Long duration exercise increased tibial and femoral stiffness and decreased twist angle and energy absorbed (P < 0.05). These results indicate bone adapts to its loading environment by increasing bone mineral density, increasing cortical bone area, increasing stiffness, decreasing energy absorbed, and decreasing twist angle. High-intensity exercise decreased the maximum force the bone could withstand, whereas long duration exercise made the bone more brittle.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1995

Effect of training on blood volume and plasma hormone concentrations in the elderly.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of 6 months of endurance training on resting plasma (PV) and blood volume (BV), and resting hormone and electrolyte concentrations in the elderly. Thirty-eight elderly men and women (ages 60-82 yr) were assigned to endurance exercise training (N = 29) or to control (N = 9) groups. Resting plasma levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, vasopressin, aldosterone, norepinephrine, epinephrine, sodium, potassium, and protein were measured at the start (T1) and end (T2) of 26 wk of training. PV measurement was performed using the Evan's blue dye technique. Endurance training consisted of uphill treadmill walking or stairclimbing exercise 3 times.wk-1, 30-45 min.d-1, at 75-84% of maximal heart rate reserve. The exercise group increased VO2max by 11.2% (P < or = 0.05) and increased resting PV and BV by 11.2% and 12.7% (P < or = 0.05), respectively. Hormone and electrolyte levels in the exercise group remained unchanged; all variables were unchanged in the control group. These results are similar to findings in younger individuals. Because plasma hormone concentrations were maintained despite a chronically elevated BV, endurance training in healthy, elderly subjects may be associated with a resetting of volume receptors.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMed1994

Moderate- and high-intensity exercise lowers blood pressure in normotensive subjects 60 to 79 years of age.

To investigate the effects of exercise intensity on resting blood pressure (BP) in normotensive elderly subjects, 44 sedentary healthy subjects aged 60 to 79 years of age were studied during 6 months of walking exercise. Subjects were ranked according to maximal oxygen consumption and randomly stratified to groups that trained at 70% (n = 19) or 80% to 85% (n = 14) of maximal heart rate reserve, or to a control group (n = 11) that did not train. Initial BP was established during a 2- to 3-week control period. During the first 3 months, both exercise groups progressed to 70% of heart rate reserve for 40 minutes 3 times each week. The moderate-intensity group continued to train at 70% (45-minute duration) for an additional 3 months, whereas the high-intensity group progressed to training at 85% of heart rate reserve (35-minute duration). Maximal oxygen consumption increased (p < or = 0.05) during the initial 3 months in both exercise groups (25.2 to 28.1 ml.kg-1.min-1 and 26.3 to 29.3 ml.kg-1.min-1) and continued to increase (p < or = 0.05) after 3 additional months of training, but the increase was greater (p < or = 0.05) in the high-intensity group (28.1 to 29.4 ml.kg-1.min-1 and 29.3 to 32.8 ml.kg-1.min-1). Systolic BP decreased (p < or = 0.05) similarly at 6 months in both training groups (120 to 111 mm Hg and 120 to 112 mm Hg).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Functional assessment for prediction of lifting capacity.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the ability to predict maximal functional lifting capacity from peak isometric lumbar extension torque and submaximal lifting mechanics. METHODS: Peak isometric lumbar extension torques were measured on 26 healthy men and women, ages 18 to 39 years. In addition, their lifting mechanics were evaluated while they lifted a submaximal load. Each subject's maximal lifting capacity (kg) then was predicted from the peak torque and submaximal kinetic analysis using a linear regression model. RESULTS: Mean values for the predicted and actual maximum weight the subjects lifted were not significantly different (50.3 +/- 15.6 kg and 48.5 +/- 17.0 kg, respectively, P > or = 0.05). The correlation between predicted and criterion values was high (r = 0.96), and the total error of the prediction was 5.1 kg, which represented 10.5% of the actual maximum value. CONCLUSIONS: This multi-faceted functional assessment model involving biomechanical analysis of a submaximal lift and maximal isometric lumbar extension strength accurately predicted a subject's maximum functional lifting capacity.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Endurance exercise training improves body composition and plasma insulin responses in 70- to 79-year-old men and women.

Forty-two men and women aged 70 to 79 years were studied to assess the effects of 6 months of endurance or resistance training and subsequent cessation of training on glucose tolerance, plasma insulin responses, serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and plasma dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels. The endurance training group (n = 16) exercised at 75% to 85% heart rate reserve for 35 to 45 minutes three times per week; the resistance training group (n = 17) completed one set of eight to 12 repetitions on 10 Nautilus machines three times per week. No significant changes in any variables occurred in a control group (n = 9). Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased by 20% with endurance training, but did not change with resistance training. Upper- and lower-body strength increased in the resistance training group, but did not change with endurance training. Neither group changed their body weight with training, but the endurance training group elicited a significant reduction in their sum of seven skinfolds and percent body fat. Neither group altered their glucose tolerance with training; however, the endurance training group had lower plasma insulin responses after training compared with the other two groups. Serum lipid and plasma DHEA levels did not change in either the endurance or resistance training groups. Ten days of no exercise following training did not significantly alter body weight or composition, glucose tolerance, plasma insulin responses, or plasma DHEA levels in either the endurance training (n = 10) or resistance training (n = 14) group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Exercise, age, and skeletal muscle function.

Skeletal muscle strength, muscle mass, and psychomotor performance decline with age. These declines are associated with reduced functional capacity and an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury and dependent care. Resistance exercise training is generally safe and effective for improving muscle strength and increasing muscle mass in the elderly. The magnitude of improvement depends on the intensity of training and the initial level of fitness. Because many elderly persons have low levels of muscular strength, they show a greater than average potential for relative improvement. Whether an exercise program can enhance psychomotor performance in the elderly is equivocal. Participating in a well-rounded program of physical activity throughout life may be the best approach to attenuating the decline in skeletal muscle function associated with aging.

Aged↗

PubMed1994

Exercise training and prescription for the elderly.

Most exercise programs designed for healthy persons older than 65 emphasize fitness development, but the maintenance of functional capacity and quality of life are equally important. The basic guidelines for frequency, intensity, and duration of training and the mode of activity recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine for healthy adults are also appropriate for the elderly. The difference in the exercise prescription for the elderly participant is the manner in which it is applied. Given that the elderly person is more fragile and has more physical-medical limitations than the middle-aged participant, the intensity of the program is usually lower while the training frequency and duration are increased. The mode of training should avoid high-impact activities, and the progression of training should be more gradual. The prescribed training heart rate for the elderly at 40% to 80% of maximal heart rate reserve is slightly lower than the 50% to 85% recommended for young and middle-aged participants, but its relationship to relative metabolic work (50% to 85% of maximal oxygen uptake) and rating of perceived exertion are similar to those found for younger participants. Because of the importance of maintaining muscle mass and bone in middle and old age, a well-rounded program including strength/resistance exercise of the major muscle groups is recommended. Hence the exercise prescription for the elderly should emphasize low to moderate intensity and low-impact activities, avoid heavy static-dynamic lifting, and allow a gradual progression in training.

Activities of Daily Living↗