The physiology of physical performance and training in old age

Maximal aerobic power, muscular strength and explosive power decline even with healthy ageing. Their values are lower in women than in men of the same age. Women are therefore at risk of crossing functionally important thresholds much earlier. Physical training can increase maximal aerobic power, muscular strength and explosive power in older men and women. These increases may help to delay the crossing of thresholds, and may therefore help the older individual to maintain their independence. For the older patient there may be an additive effect of age and disease. Rehabilitation-induced improvements in exercise performance can therefore offer the potential for even greater gains in the everyday functional ability of the older cardiac patient. When performing tests of physiological responses to exercise or when designing exercise programmes for older people, adaptations need to be made to ensure they are suitable for use with the intended age group.