Endurance training for elderly women: moderate vs low intensity
Article Abstract:
With the increasing age of the population, methods of maintaining the independent functioning of the elderly are being sought. It has been suggested that if older people exercise regularly at a level appropriate for their age and health, they may be able to prevent the fatigue and disability that often render them unable to care for themselves. In this study, elderly women participated in a 10-week exercise program to compare the effects of moderate-intensity and low-intensity training. The subjects were 16 women aged 67 to 89 (average age, 78) who were living independently in retirement homes. The women were typical of those living in the retirement community with respect to their usual physical activity, but were a select group in that none had cardiovascular, pulmonary, arthritic, or neuromuscular diseases. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: moderate-intensity training (exercising at 60 percent of maximal heart rate reserve), and low-intensity training (40 percent of maximal heart rate reserve). The sessions, which they attended three times per week for 10 weeks, consisted of warm-up activities, walking, and a cool-down period. Both groups showed evidence of benefiting from the program, and there were no significant differences between moderate- and low-intensity exercise group. Maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased, indicating that the subjects' functional capacity had improved. Parameters that did not change included blood lipids and maximal heart rate. It is concluded that in this population, moderate-intensity exercise offers no advantage over low-intensity training, and the latter should be chosen because the risk of injury is smaller. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1989
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Gait assessment in the elderly: a gait abnormality rating scale and its relation to falls
Article Abstract:
Falling is a problem for the aged; it contributes to both morbidity (illness) and mortality. For that reason it is important to try to predict who among the elderly are more likely to fall and to take remedial steps to prevent falls. There are tests for that purpose; some of them are very complex but efficient, while others are simpler, but not as effective. These authors have devised a Gait Assessment Rating Score (GARS) that can be used in a nursing home setting. A study using GARS showed that the length of stride, walking velocity (speed) and gait quality were significantly reduced in nursing home residents with a history of falls when compared with similar measurements of controls. It takes time to learn to use GARS, since it involves the use of setting up a television camera, taping the subject and then reviewing the tape and rating the gait. But, once the technique is learned, it takes no longer to set up than do other means of gait assessment. Further studies are needed to confirm data from this small study of 27 people with a history of recent falls and 22 controls; one such study underway involves the elderly living at home. If it is proved possible to predict which elderly individuals are most likely to fall, it may also be possible, by describing the qualitative abnormalities of gait, to develop and teach intervention strategies. GARS may also serve as a teaching tool. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1990
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Economic considerations in breast cancer screening of older women
Article Abstract:
Economic consideration has been identified as one of the factors associated with the low utilization of breast cancer screening modalities among elderly women. They believe that the costs entailed far outweigh the benefit of increased life expectancy with the use of screening mammography. As such, research was undertaken to determine the cost effectiveness of screening modalities using a computerized simulation model. The factors influencing cost was identified and its implications on the utilization of screening was discussed.
Publication Name: Journals of Gerontology
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0022-1422
Year: 1992
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