adult and aged athletes; fractures and bone density

Question 1

What are adult and aged athletes bones characterised as?

Answer 1

• Less dense
• More fragile

Question 2

Why do adult and aged athletes have less dense bones and are at increased risk of fractures?

Answer 2

↑Age→Ability to hold onto calcium in bones↓→Weak bones→Chance of bone injuries↑

Question 3

Which factors increase the rate of degeneration in bones?

Answer 3

• Low calcium intake earlier in life
• Lack of physical activity at a young age
• Postmenopausal women
• Osteoporosis (Found more in women)

Question 4

What programs should adult and aged athletes with weak bones focus on?

Answer 4

Programs that focuses on;
- Balance
- Strength conditioning
- Aerobic capacity
- Flexibility

Question 5

Which activities should adult and aged athletes with weak bones focus on?

Answer 5

• Endurance activities
• Low impact and balance activities (e.g. aerobics)
• Low range strengthening exercises focusing on the limbs and back.

Question 6

What sports should adult and aged athletes with weak bones avoid?

Answer 6

• Contact sports (e.g. rugby)
• Sports that put pressure on joints (e.g. basketball)

Question 7

What exercises should adult and aged athletes with weak bones alternatively do?

Answer 7

Adult and aged athletes with weak bones should rather do slow and controlled weight training as it can develop thicker bones.

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