Age-Related Differences And Their Implications For Resistance Training

Chapter 7

resistance exercise

a specialized method of conditioning whereby an individual is working against a wide range of resistive loads to enhance health, fitness, and performance

Childhood

a period of life before the development of secondary characteristics

Adolescence

the period between childhood and adulthood

Adulthood

the stage of life following adolescence, characterized by full physical development and the taking on of adult responsibilities.

Youth or young athlete

both children and adolescents

older and senior

men and women over 65

Athleticism

the ability to repeatedly execute a variety of movements with precision and confidence in a range of environments, which require appropriate skill competency, balance, coordination, strength, power, speed, agility, and endurance

Long-term athletic development

the development of athleticism over time, with an aim to enhance physical fitness, reduce injury risk, and improve mental and physical health and wellbeing

growth, development, maturation

describe changes that occur in the body throughout life

growth

increase in body size or particular body part

development

the natural progression from prenatal life to adulthood

Maturation

as progress towards a fully mature state

Puberty

the stage of development during which children develop secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive capability.

Chronological age

the age of an individual measured in years from birth, often used to assess developmental stages and maturity in relation to physical training.

Biological Maturation

Refers to the physical and physiological changes that occur as an individual develops, impacting their capacity for exercise and adaptation to training.

Peak Hight Velocity (PHV)

the period during which an individual experiences the most rapid increase in height, typically occurring around the onset of puberty and significantly affecting overall growth and development.

Technical Competency

the degree to which an individual possesses the skills and knowledge required to perform specific exercises or resistance training techniques effectively and safely.

Training Age

Refers to the length of time an individual has been participating in structured training programs. It influences their experience and adaptation to resistance training.

Diaphysis

the main or central shaft of a long bone, which includes compact bone and is involved in growth during development.

Growth Cartilage

the cartilage found at the epiphyseal plates of growing bones, vital for longitudinal growth and allowing bones to increase in length.

Apophyseal

cartilage that is found at the sites of muscle attachment on bones, important for growth and development of the bone structure.

Osteoporosis

a condition characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures due to loss of bone density and strength.

Needs Analysis

a systematic process used in resistance training that identifies an athlete's or individual's specific requirements, strengths, and weaknesses to optimize performance and minimize injury risk.

Athletic Motor Skill Competencies

basic physical skills essential for effective movement and performance in sports, including strength, agility, coordination, and balance.

Cocontraction

the simultaneous activation of antagonist muscles to stabilize a joint during movement, enhancing control and reducing the risk of injury.

Preactivation

the anticipatory activation of muscles prior to movement, which helps improve stability and coordination during physical activities.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Tasks essential for self-care, including bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility, vital for maintaining independence.

Dynapenia

The age-related loss of muscle strength, which can significantly impact physical function and the ability to perform daily activities.

Bone Mineral Density (BMD)

a measure of the amount of mineral matter per square centimeter of bones, indicating bone strength and health.

Senior

An older adult, typically defined as someone aged 65 or older, who may experience various age-related changes affecting health and fitness.

Osteopenia

A condition characterized by lower than normal bone mineral density, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis as one ages.

Sarcopenia

A condition involving the loss of muscle mass and strength associated with aging, leading to a decline in functional ability and increased risk of falls.