Physiotherapy to Treat Sarcopenia in Older Adults‪.‬

ABSTRACT Sarcopenia, or the age-related loss of muscle strength and mass, is a common problem that increases the risk of injury and disability in older people. There is now reliable evidence that an appropriate exercise program can improve strength in older people. However, an exercise program must be carefully designed to ensure that it is intense enough to effectively increase strength, but also safe enough to minimize the risk of an injury, particularly in the frail elderly. Since all exercise effects are transient, a key role of a physiotherapist working with older people is to design a program that promotes long-term exercise adherence. Educating the older person about the benefits of exercise can have a significant effect on an older person's belief in their ability to exercise and willingness to adhere to a program. Latham N (2004). Phsiotherapy to treat sarcopenia in older adults. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy 32(1): 16-21. Invited Clinical Commentary