Exercise, Age, and Skeletal Muscle Function
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-1994
Publication Title
Southern Medical Journal
Keywords
Physical fitness, muscle strength, exercise therapy
Abstract
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.
Recommended Citation
Graves, James PhD; Pollock, Michael L.; and Carroll, Joan F., "Exercise, Age, and Skeletal Muscle Function" (1994). Department of Exercise, Health and Sport Science. 68.
https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/sportscience/68