The value of strength training for older adults.
Health in older adults can best be measured in terms of functional status. Skeletal muscle strength has been reported to be a determinant of functional status in older individuals. Two major contributors to the decline in muscle function as a person ages are disuse and physical inactivity. Declining muscle function through a loss of muscular strength may decrease functional independence and mobility and increase the risk for falls and injuries, physical frailty, and disability. Older individuals lacking an appropriate amount of muscular strength may not be able to perform various activities of daily living, which are important indicators of independence.
Brill
P A
PA
School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA.
Cornman
C B
CB
Davis
D R
DR
Lane
M J
MJ
Mustafa
T
T
Sanderson
M
M
Macera
C A
CA
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D016330:Frail Elderly; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000379:methods*; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D013022:South Carolina; D014891:Weight Lifting