Abstract

Research & Investigations in Sports Medicine

Exercise for Sarcopenia in the Elderly: What Kind, Which Role?

  • Open or Close Ana Zão1* and António Pinto Camelo1,2

    1Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Porto Hospital Center, Portugal

    2Instituto Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Portugal

    *Corresponding author: Ana Zão, Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Porto Hospital Center, Portugal

Submission: January 02, 2018; Published: March 13, 2018

DOI: 10.31031/RISM.2018.02.000529

ISSN : 2577-1914
Volume2 Issue1

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength associated with ageing. Regular exercise has been indicated to be the only strategy which consistently improves sarcopenia and physical function in elderly. The aims of this study are to review the mechanisms of sarcopenia and to evaluate the role of exercise in the elderly with sarcopenia and the current recommendations about the exercise interventions.

Discussion: Exercise significantly improve mobility, functionality, muscle mass, bone mineral density, balance and proprioception; thus, decreasing the risk of falls, increasing quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality. Different types of exercise may be of interest in patients with sarcopenia: aerobic, progressive resistance, flexibility and balance training. Supervised or group exercise programs may be preferable for elders, with regard to both safety and compliance.

Conclusion: Sarcopenia is a strong predictor of disability, morbidity, and mortality in elderly. Anaerobic exercise seems to be the most important tool to prevent and treat sarcopenia.

Keywords: Exercise; Sarcopenia; Elderly

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