Chapter 12: Special Populations and Health Concerns

Question 1

What are some key characteristics of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Answer 1

• Results from atherosclerosis
• High BP, high LDL, elevated blood glucose, etc
• Avoid isometric activities
• For weight training, low resistance high repetitions
• FITT: F = 3-5 workouts/week, I = HRR = 40-75% or RPE = 9-14, T = 20-30 min continuous, T = low intensity endurance exercise

Question 2

What are some characteristics of Hypertension?

Answer 2

• Precursor to development of CAD, stroke, congestive heart failure, etc
• Exercise is an important part of therapy
• For weight training, low resistance high repetitions
• Avoid valsalva maneuver, use circuit training, use RPE to monitor intensity, be aware of medications, monitor BP
• FITT: F = at least 4 workouts/week, I = HRR = 40-65%, T = gradually increase to 30-60 min continuous, T = low intensity endurance exercise

Question 3

What are key characteristics of a Stroke?

Answer 3

• Affects arteries of the nervous system
• Little data on the role of exercise and stroke
• Risk factors are the same as those for CAD and may follow the same exercise guidelines
• FITT: F = 3-5 workouts/week, I = HRR = 40-75% or RPE - 9-14, T = 20-30 minutes continuous, T = low intensity endurance exercise

Question 4

What are key characteristics of Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)?

Answer 4

• Caused by atherosclerotic lesions in peripheral arteries or venous blood vessels
• Four level grading scale for classification of severity
• Painful and debilitating - dull, aching, cramping pain
• Encourage daily exercise, low impact, non-weight bearing exercise, avoid exercising in cold air or water, 5-10 min exercise bouts
• FITT: F = daily, I = low intensity, T = gradually increase to 30-40 min continuous, T = non-impact endurance exercise (weight bearing)

Question 5

What are key characteristics of Asthma?

Answer 5

• Shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing
• 80% of persons experience attacks during exercise (EIA)
• Prior to exercising, require a medical treatment plan
• Use of inhaler 5-10 prior to exercise may reduce EIA attacks
• FITT: F = 3-4 workout/week, I = low intensity, T = gradually increase to 20-45 min, T = walking, cycling and swimming

Question 6

What are key characteristics of Cancer?

Answer 6

• Causes more than 1/2 million deaths annually
• An estimate 80% of cancer cases could be prevented through appropriate lifestyle changes
• Physically inactive people are more likely to develop cancer
• FITT: based upon answer to questions on p. 132

Question 7

What are key characteristics of weight management?

Answer 7

• Over $30 billion dollars spent annually on weight loss methods
• Complex psychosocial issues
• Caloric intake should never drop below 1200Kcals/day
• Reduction of 1-2 lbs/week is a sensible approach
• FITT: F = 5-6 workouts/week (initially 2-3 days/week), I = start at 40-50% of MHR, T = will vary depending on client current condition, T = walking, cycling and aerobic dance
• For resistance training: 1 set, 8-12 reps, 6-10 exercises

Question 8

What are key characteristics for pregnant women?

Answer 8

• Studies demonstrate pregnant women can maintain and even improve their cardiovascular capabilities during pregnancy
• As pregnancy progresses, the heart is less able to adapt to the increased demand
• Discouraged from participating in activities which require sudden bursts of movement

Question 9

According to the ACSM, what are the guidelines for training pregnant women?

Answer 9

• Goals should be discussed with a physician
• Gradually increase intensity
• Move from running to swimming or water running during 2nd and 3rd trimester if uncomfortable
• Extend warm ups and cool-downs
• Keep body temperature below 100 degrees F or 38 degrees C
• Use RPE instead of heart rate monitor
• Eat small snack before exercising
• Drink plenty of water