CHAPTER 97 • THE GERIATRIC ATHLETE 565and adolescents (Falk and Tenenbaum, 1996;
Faigenbaum et al, 1996).- In preadolescents, strength training increases strength,
but does not cause muscle hypertrophy (Ramsey et al
1990; Kraemer et al, 1989). - The 2001 position statement from the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Sports
Medicine and Fitness concludes that there is not
enough evidence to assert that strength training pro-
grams help prevent sports-related musculoskeletal
injuries in preadolescents and adolescents. Nor is
there evidence that strength training will decrease the
incidence of sports-related injuries.
REFERENCES
AAP Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness: Strength training
by children and adolescents. Pediatrics107(6):1470–1472,
2001.
Ali RM, Green DW, Patel TC: Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Curr
Opin Pediatr11(1):70–75, Feb, 1999. (Review)
Difiori JP: Stress fracture of the proximal fibula in a young soccer
player: A case report and a review of the literature. Med Sci
Sports Exerc31(7):925–928, Jul. 1999. (Review)
Faigenbaum AD, Wescott WL, Micheli LJ et al: The effects of
strength training and detraining on children. J Strength Cond
10:109–114, 1996.
Falk B, Tenenbaum G: The effectiveness of resistance training in
children. A meta-analysis. Sports Med 3:176–186, 1996.
Hergenroeder AC: Prevention of sports injuries. Pediatrics
101(6):1057–1063, June 1998.
Kraemer WJ, Fry AC Frykman PN, Conroy B, et al: Resistance
training and youth. Pediatr Exerc Sci1:336–350, 1989.
Metzmaker J, Pappass A: Avulsion fractures of the pelvis. Am J
Sports Med 13:349, 1985.
Peterson HA: Physeal fractures: Part 3. Classification. J Pediatr
Orthop 14:439–448, 1994.
Radelet MA, Pephart SM, Rubinstein EN, et al: Survey of the
injury rate for children in community sports. Pediatrics
110(3):e28, Sep. 2002.
Ramsey JA, Blimkie CJ, Smith K, et al: Strength training effects
in prepubescent boys. Issues and controversies. Med Sci Sports
Exerc22:605–614, 1990.
Richardson WJ, Furey CG: Low Back and Lumbar Spine Injuries
in Principles and Practice of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine.
Garrett WE, Speer K, Kirkendall DT (eds.). Philadelphia, PA,
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000.
Smolander J, Bar-Or O, Korhonen O, et al: Thermoregulation
during rest and exercise in the cold in pre-and early pubes-
cent boys and in young men. J Appl Physiol 72:1589–1594,
1992.
Stanitski CL, DeLee JC, Drez D: Pediatric and Adolescent Sports
Medicine. Philadelphia, PA, Saunders, 1994.
Sullivan JA, Anderson SJ (eds.): Care of the Young Athlete.
Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
and American Academy of Pediatrics, 2000.
Wheeless CR: Wheeless Textbook of Orthopedics, 2003;
http://www.ortho-u.net/o2/157.htm. Accessed 8/4/03.97 THE GERIATRIC ATHLETE
Cynthia M Williams, DO, MEdINTRODUCTION- The population of the United States is aging. In 1900,
4% of the population was 65 years or older. It is now
over 13% of the population with projections to be
over 20% by 2030 (U.S. Census Internet Release,
2000).- Aging demographics also reveal the “oldest old”
those persons age 85 and older are the most rapidly
growing group within the population (Federal
Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics,
2000). - The aging population is heterogeneous and arbi-
trary age divisions do not take into account func-
tional abilities, comorbidities, or the presence of
other infirmities.
•Physiologic changes associated with aging are impor-
tant to understand as present day competitive athletes
and so called weekend warriorsapproach middle and
old age.
•Awareness of the benefits and barriers to maintaining
a physically active lifestyle, common injuries and
nutritional needs of our aging society is essential to all
providers of health care.
•Exercise received an A grading from the USPSTF (U.S.
Preventive Services Task Force, 1996/2001). Exercise
either in the forms of aerobic training, resistance train-
ing, or lifestyle modification has many benefits in older
adults, even the oldest-old (Booth et al, 2000).
•A recent American Association of Retired Persons
(AARP Research, 2002) survey found 63% of
middle aged and older adults knew exercise was crit-
ical for maintaining good health and moderate exer-
cise at least three times per week could help them
stay fit and healthy; however, 11% of the United
States adult population reports regular and vigorous
physical activity for 20 min or longer more than
twice per week.
- Aging demographics also reveal the “oldest old”