Sarcopenia--exercise as a treatment strategy.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Taaffe
Dennis R
DR
School of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Queensland. dtaaffe@hms.uq.edu.au
D000368:Aged; D001823:Body Composition; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D016330:Frail Elderly; D006801:Humans; D009133:Muscular Atrophy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D014891:Weight Lifting