Review article
STRENGTH TRAINING IN THE ELDERLY
Marjeta Mišigoj Duraković
; Zavod za kineziološku antropologiju i metodologiju, Kineziološki fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Zijad Duraković
; Odjel za medicinsku antropologiju, Institut za antropologiju u Zagrebu
Branka R. Matković
; Zavod za kineziološku antropologiju i metodologiju, Kineziološki fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu,
Abstract
Low level of physical activity and, consequently, low
level of physical fitness is a part of poor living habits in
today's society. In addition,it is related to the incidence of
many chronic diseases in adult and old age. Because of
that, different forms of exercise training are today
included in public health recommendations. For many
years these recommendations were limited to aerobic and
flexibility exercises, but today resistance exercise training
is recognized as a powerful tool for health improvements.
During the aging process significant reductions in
muscle mass and muscle strength occur (sarcopenia). This
reduction is visible in slow-twich and fast-twich muscle
fibers, as well as in muscle cross-sectional area. The
metabolic effects of reduced muscle mass lead to a high
prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes,
dyslipidemia and hypertension. These risk factors are
associated with abnormalities in cardiovascular structures
and function.
There is a large body of scientific evidence
suggesting that resistance training prevents the loss of
muscle mass and function when the mechanical stimuli
provided by common tasks of daily living are not
sufficient to offset aging declines. The increase in muscle
mass may reduce multiple cardiovascular disease risk
factors.
Older people are probably a part of society that could
profit the most from resistance training. Aerobic training
as well as flexibility exercises can be suggested, but it has
to be kept in mind that only resistance training can
produce hypertrophy of muscles and strength gains.
Enhanced strength in the elderly provides better
functional capacity as well as independence, and leads to a
greater overall quality of live. Bearing in mind the
significant positive health effects of aerobic training,
probably the best recommendation for elderly would be to
combine resistance training with aerobic training.
Keywords
aging; resistance training; sarcopenia
Hrčak ID:
26485
URI
Publication date:
1.7.2008.
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