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published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Clinical Psychology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

Eleven older adults (49-66 years) participated in 15 weeks (60 sessions) of endurance walking. A training intensity of approximately 65% maximum heart rate was determined (Karvonen method), for each subject. The training resulted in improved cardiorespiratory fitness as evidenced by a significant 19.2% mean increase in maximal oxygen uptake (ml/ kg-min.), and a significant bradycardial response of heart rate during submaximal walking. An insignificant change in mean absolute body weight was observed, however, subjects lost significant amounts of subcutaneous body fat as demonstrated by a. decrease in percent body fat and sum of six skinfold measurements.The male subjects showed more pronounced improvements in their fitness as evidenced by a greater weight loss, lower resting heart rate, improved oxygen uptake and maximal ventilation. These benefits were possibly due to a greater walking velocity and total mileage attained by the male subjects. This infers that the men were able to exercise at a higher intensity and duration than the females.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a 12-week progressive resistance training program (PRT) on single myofiber calcium sensitivity in older women. Five healthy older women between the ages of 67-82 with a mean age of 72.8±2.7 yr. participated in this study. The training regimen consisted of bilateral isotonic knee extensions. The subjects performed 3 sets, the first two sets consisted of 10 repetitions and the last set was performed to volitional exhaustion at 80% of their 1RM 3 days/week. Muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis were obtained and single muscle fibers were isolated. The fibers were mounted and fiber length and diameter were determined. The experimental sequence for each fiber was the determination of maximal isometric tension (PO) at pCa 4.5 (pCa = -log [Ca 2+]), and then subsequent activations of the fiber submaximally with free Ca 2+ concentrations of pCa 6.8, 6.5, 6.2, 6.0, 5.8, 5.5, 5.2, 5.0, and 4.7. Due to the small sample size of the myosin heavy chain (MHC) type II single fibers that were studied, only the MHC type I fibers were included for analysis. The MHC type I single fiber diameter increased significantly (p<0.05) from 90.47±3.90 µm to 102.47±2.27 gm pre-to-post PRT, respectively. The Po increased approximately 22% (p<0.05) in the MHC type I fibers pre- to-post PRT. The mean MHC type I fiber Ca 2+ activation threshold increased (p<0.05) from pCa 6.83±0.02 to pCa 6.91±0.01 preto-post PRT. In addition, the mean half-maximal activation of the type I fibers increased (p<0.05) with PRT (5.50±0.02 and 5.70±0.03, pre and post, respectively. The slope of the tension-pCa relationship below (n2) and above (ni) half-maximal activation were also examined to predict molecular cooperativity during cross-bridge interaction. The slope of the Hill plot for n1 did not change significantly with the PRT. However, the slope of the Hill plot for n2 demonstrated a significant increase (p<0.05) from 1.70±0.11 to 2.43±0.09 pre-to-post PRT. In conclusion, the results of this investigation indicate that myofibril Ca 2+ sensitivity and activation properties appear to exhibit a significant role in the mechanisms involved with skeletal muscle adaptability in older women following PRT. / School of Physical Education

The purpose of this study was to: 1) review the literature as it pertained to physical fitness for older adults and 2) develop an exercise and fitness guide to be used by older adults.Much of the literature dealing with: 1) cardiorespiratory endurance, 2) flexibility, 3) muscular strength and endurance, and 4) balance and coordination, suggests that given proper training and instruction, older adults can develop and maintain these areas of physical fitness well into advanced life.Older adults can develop and maintain their cardiorespiratory system by exercising at an intensity equal to 40% of their maximal heart rate. Walking is an activity in which that most older adults can participate and show improvement.Flexibility is a precursor for all movement. All movement depends on one's ability to bend and stretch. Regularity is the key to developing flexibility. Supple muscles and joints make many tasks easier and aid in the prevention of injury.Muscular strength and endurance are needed by older adults in many of the simple movements they face daily.Muscular strength and endurance can be developed and maintained through continued participation in regular physical activity.Balance and coordinated movement are important to older adults as they perform routine tasks encountered on a daily basis.Older adults can benefit physiologically, psychologically and socially from participation in appropriate regular physical activities and exercise programs. When older adults move their bodies physically, with regularity and purpose, they achieve a life of better health and well-being. / Center for Lifelong Education

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Wyoming, 2008. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on June 25, 2009). Includes bibliographical references (p. 64-78).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2009. / Title from title screen (site viewed January 12, 2010). PDF text: vii, 115 p. ; 1 Mb. UMI publication number: AAT 3359866. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Thesis (M.S.)--Wake Forest University. Dept. of Health and Exercise Science, 2004. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-95).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1971. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 1999. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 224-235). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.