Aging and Aerobic Capacity 2/9

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to aging, aerobic capacity, muscle mass changes, and interventions to improve physical health.

VO2 max

Maximal aerobic capacity, measuring the volume of oxygen consumed during maximal exercise.

Cardiac output

The amount of blood the heart pumps each time it contracts times the number of contractions per minute.

Maximal heart rate

The highest heart rate an individual can achieve during maximal exercise, typically decreases with age.

Stroke volume

The amount of blood pumped by the heart with each beat.

Oxidative capacity

The ability of muscles to extract and utilize oxygen from blood, influenced by mitochondrial density and capillary numbers.

EPO (erythropoietin)

A hormone that increases red blood cell production, often used to boost athletic performance.

Sarcopenia

Age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, contributing to various health issues.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The rate at which the body uses energy at rest, which declines with age due to loss of muscle mass.

Anabolic resistance

A condition in older adults where the muscle's response to protein intake and hormonal signals for muscle synthesis is diminished.

Fast and slow muscle fibers

Fast fibers (Type II) are suited for quick, powerful bursts of activity, while slow fibers (Type I) are more endurance-oriented.

Functional capacity

The ability to perform daily activities effectively; linked to muscle mass, strength, and aerobic capacity.

Habitual gait speed

An individual's normal walking speed, an important indicator of health and risk of mortality.

Bone density

The amount of bone mineral in bone tissue, which is influenced by physical activity and resistance training.

Resistance training

A form of exercise that involves lifting weights or using resistance to build strength and muscle mass.

Lean body mass

The weight of a person's body minus fat; often used to estimate muscle mass.

Osteoporosis

A condition marked by reduced bone density, increasing the risk of fractures.

Creatinine excretion

A method used to measure muscle mass by quantifying creatinine levels in urine, indicative of muscle metabolism.

Insulin resistance

A condition where cells in the body become less responsive to insulin, associated with aging and metabolic disorders.

Cohort studies

Research studies involving groups of people used to observe outcomes over time, often related to health issues.

VO2 max decline

The gradual reduction in maximal aerobic capacity with age, observed regardless of exercise habits.