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Power training (PT) improves muscle power in older adults; however, intensity recommendations are less clear. A narrative approach was used to compare high- versus low-intensity PT on muscle power (and function) in healthy, older adults. Searches were performed using Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, AgeLine, and Scopus. Interventions in which older subjects (60+ years) were instructed to perform the concentric phase "as fast as possible" were included. After searches were performed, a third category of PT (moderate intensity) was included. Evidence from 27 studies (32 PT groups) showed changes in muscle power that averaged 26.8%, 33.4%, and 21.5% for high-, moderate-, and low-intensity PT, respectively, with greater changes with longer training duration and in mildly mobility-limited older adults. Function improved similarly across categories. In conclusion, both low- and high-intensity PT led to clinically significant changes in power and are viable options for improving power and function in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A convenience sample of 176 healthy, community-dwelling, inactive older adults (mean age 70 ± 5 years; 62 males, 114 females) were tracked for one year. The purpose was to describe the exercise modality choices older adults make one year following participation in an exercise and education intervention. Telephone follow-up contacted 137 participants (78%, men = 50, women = 87) and 62% of the men and 69% of the women reported to be “currently exercising.” Exercising independently was the most common type of exercise reported by 81% and 64% of men and women, respectively. Walking was the most commonly reported modality by both genders. The setting of exercise was most often reported to be at home or outside for both men and women. The main reason for continued participation at 12 months was for overall health (50% of men and 40% of women). Little variation was observed for exercise modality choice. Future interventions should consider a variety of exercise and physical activity opportunities for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexibility is the range of motion (ROM) available in a joint or group of joints and can be increased via a flexibility or stretching program. Despite the well-established and long-standing inclusion of stretching programs for fitness routines, there are currently scientific discussions regarding the utility of stretching exercises, which are regularly recommended for overall health and conducted as a part of preexercise protocols to reduce injury and increase performance in athletic-type activities. The implication of this "debate" for the older adult population warrants further discussion, as age-related declines in joint-specific ROM are observed. For the majority of the aging population, ROM status may not be related to fitness activity performance but rather to performance of the activities of daily living. For this reason, the promotion of flexibility in the older adult population is substantial. This chapter reviews the age-related declines of various body parts and how they may relate to function and quality of life as we age. Existing recommendations are based on limited evidence precluding the offering of guidance as to a flexibility intervention related to maintaining or improving functional ROM for older adults. While ROM decreases with age, older adults do maintain the ability to regain ROM. This chapter summarizes the role of physical activity levels and exercise interventions in the maintenance and training of ROM. The pressing need for high-quality, purposive study of flexibility is warranted in order to establish the magnitude of impact on function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Fear of injury is reported as a barrier to exercise by older adults. However, the literature is limited in describing exercise injuries in older adults. Design: This study prospectively evaluated the 12-month incidence of exercise-related injuries to community-dwelling older adults (n=167 respondents; 63 men, 104 women; mean age 69±5 year). Methods: A questionnaire developed for use in older adults was administered to document self-reported injuries. Linear regression analysis was conducted to identify covariates related to injury outcomes. Results: 23 people (14%) reported injuries. 41% of injuries were to the lower extremities, where the most common type was overuse muscle strains (32%, n=7). Overexertion was the most common cause of injury (n=9) and walking accounted for half of the activities during which injury occurred. 70% of injuries required medical treatment. 44% were not able to continue exercising after injury and return-to-activity time varied from 1 to 182 days. Sex, age and exercise volume were not significantly associated with injury occurrence. Conclusions: These results showed similar, or lower, exercise-related injury rates as compared with previous reports on younger and middle-aged adults; however, the definition of, and criteria for, 'injury' reporting varies in the literature. This study indicates that older adults taking up exercise are not at increased risk of injury versus younger age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the manuscript "Exercise Modality Choices One Year After Intervention in Previously Inactive Older Men and Women," which found that walking is the exercise choice and that recommendation for inclusion of resistance training was poorly met. Topics include physical functioning and quality of life of aging population to benefit from varied physical activity experiences challenging physical skills and proposal to promote physical literacy specifically for older adults.

This study examined six- and 12-month levels of adherence to physical activity, functional changes, and psychosocial determinants of physical activity in 176 older adults who participated in the "Get Fit for Active Living (GFAL)" pilot program. Functional and psychosocial measures were conducted in person at six months; psychosocial measures and physical activity participation were assessed by telephone interview at 12 months. Ninety-five per cent were retained in the study at the six-month follow-up, and 88 per cent at 12 months. The self-reported adherence rate to exercise at 12 months was 66 per cent. The main reason for continued exercise participation was to maintain health (45%). Reasons for nonadherence were illness (38%) and lack of motivation (32%). Results identify factors associated with positive behaviour change that health promoters can utilize when targeting the older adult population. The GFAL project results can serve as a model for sustainable, community-based older-adult exercise programs.