Exercise in the elderly: research and clinical practice.
Exercise programs for elderly patients have received much attention recently for their potential role in preventing illness and injury, limiting functional loss and disability, and alleviating the course and symptoms of existing cardiac, pulmonary, and metabolic disorders. The basic components of an exercise training program include strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. This article reviews the main attributes of each, along with some of the most recent research defining their roles in health care. Where available, it discusses specific recommendations for prescribing exercise modalities. Finally, it presents suggestions for developing integrated exercise programs and enhancing patient compliance.
Frankel
Jason E
JE
New England Sinai Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Stoughton, MA 02072, and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Tufts New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
Bean
Jonathan F
JF
Frontera
Walter R
WR
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000517:prevention & control; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*; D011379:Prognosis; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012106:Research; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity