ABSTRACT
Aging is associated with declines of the muscular strength and cardiorespiratory functions, resulting in an impaired capacity to perform daily activities. Frailty is a clinical geriatric syndrome characterized by decreases in the biological functional reserve and resis-tance to stressors, which puts older individuals at special risk of disability. To counteract the muscular strength and cardiorespiratory func-tions declines associated with aging, as well as to prevent and treat the frailty syndrome, the strength and endurance training seems to be an effective strategy to improve muscular strength and endurance performance. This article reviewed the exercise prescription in health and frail elderly subjects according to the current situation of the researches about muscular strength and cardiorespiratory function training. Based on the results found, for the healthy older adults, strength training should be performed at moderate-to high-intensity (60%-80%of 1 RM ), and moderate volume (2-3 sets per exercise, 2-3 times/week ). Also, endurance training should be performed at moderate-to high-in-tensity (60%-85% of VO2max), and moderat volume (25-40 min). The frail older adults should exercise 2-3 times a week, for 45-60 min. Strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance training components should be incorporated, and strength and balance training should be empha-sized.
ABSTRACT
@#Objective To explore the effects of strength training on aging muscular atrophy and inflammatory factors levels in old men.Methods 11 old men participated in 12 weeks of strength training. Muscle strength/muscle thickness and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and adiponectin were measured before and after training. Results After training, the muscle thickness increased, but there was no significantly difference (P>0.05); the levels of hsCRP decreased (P<0.001) and adiponectin increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Strength training may assist in maintaining or improving muscle strength/muscle mass and reducing inflammatory factors levels.
ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of creatine supplement on contractile properties of soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) in elder rat. Methods 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group and creatine supplement group with 10 rats in each group. After 6 weeks, the content of creatine and phosphocreatine were detected by high performance liquid chromatog-raphy, and contractile properties were examined in SOL and EDL in vitro at 30℃. Results The content of creatine and phosphocreatine both in SOL and EDL were higher in the creatine supplement group than in the control group (P0.05). Creatine supple-ments significantly increased the fatigue resistance of the SOL and there was no significant effect on EDL. The force potentiation which oc-curred in EDL during the initial 20~30 s of the fatigue test significantly increased (P<0.05). Conclusion Creatine supplement is effective on the contractile properties of SOL and EDL in elder rats, but the effect is dependent on the fiber types.
ABSTRACT
Peripheral artery disease is a cardiovascular risk factor. Exercise training may benefit patients with peripheral artery disease from preserving or improving functional capacity and reducing cardiovascular events. Accordingly, this article reviewed the effects of exer-cise training on peripheral artery disease, and the possible mechanisms.