Vol 35. No 3. March 2006
Sarcopenia. Exercise as a treatment strategy
Dennis R Taaffe, PHD FACSM, is Senior Lecturer, School of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Queensland.
BACKGROUND
Sarcopenia, the age related decline in muscle mass, is associated with
a reduction in muscle function, physical performance, quality of life,
and loss of independence. Exercise, specifically resistance (weight)
training, has been shown to be an effective countermeasure, arresting
decline and substantially improving physical function.
OBJECTIVE
This article
reviews the prevalence of sarcopenia, underlying processes, and the
role of exercise as a treatment strategy. Practical guidelines are
provided for prescribing exercise to older patients.
DISCUSSION
The aging
neuromuscular system is highly responsive to resistance training.
Resistance can be applied using specialised weight training machines,
elastic bands, objects around the home, or body weight. Training once
or twice a week targeting the major muscle groups at moderate intensity
is sufficient for improvement.
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