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Review
. 2015 Aug 25;25(4):249-52.
doi: 10.4081/ejtm.2015.5280. eCollection 2015 Aug 24.

Physical Activity in Elderly

Jan Cvecka  1 , Veronika Tirpakova  1 , Milan Sedliak  1 , Helmut Kern  2 , Winfried Mayr  3 , Dušan Hamar  4
Affiliations
Review

Physical Activity in Elderly

Jan Cvecka et al. Eur J Transl Myol. .

Abstract

Aging is a multifactorial irreversible process associated with significant decline in muscle mass and neuromuscular functions. One of the most efficient methods to counteract age-related changes in muscle mass and function is physical exercise. An alternative effective intervention to improve muscle structure and performance is electrical stimulation. In the present work we present the positive effects of physical activity in elderly and a study where the effects of a 8-week period of functional electrical stimulation and strength training with proprioceptive stimulation in elderly are compared.

Keywords: electrical stimulation; older age; physical activity; proprioceptive stimulation; sarcopenia.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Computer controlled, linear motor powered leg press dynamometer.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Force curve during a single repetition of proprioceptive stimulation mode
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Surface electrical stimulation: the processing unit and electrodes.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Change in peak torque during MVC following strength training (ST) and electrical (FES) stimulation. Statistical significance indicated by asterisks (*p<0.05).
Fig. 5.
Fig. 5.
Change in sit-to-stand time following strength training (ST) and electrical stimulation (FES). Statistical significance indicated by asterisks (*p<0.05)
Fig. 6.
Fig. 6.
Time to completion in maximal walking speed test following strength training (ST) and electrical stimulation (FES). Statistical significance indicated by asterisks (*p<0.05).
Fig. 7.
Fig. 7.
Time to completion in time up-and-go test following strength training (ST) and electrical stimulation (FES). Statistical significance indicated by asterisks (*p<0.05).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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