MEDICAL-EXAMINATION OF AND ADVICE TO MIDDLE-AGED PERSONS STARTING PHYSICAL-TRAINING

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 29, 161-169
Abstract
Medical screening of all middle-aged persons who want to start physical training is impossible due to practical and economical reasons. These examination should be confined to persons with symptoms from various organ systems, especially the cardiovascular system, and to persons who experience these symptoms during training. Recommendations for examination are described briefly. Physical training may improve cardiosvascular function and positively influence factors normally associated with the aging process. To achieve these effects, training for 30 min, 3 times/wk seems to be sufficient. The intensity of training should be high enough to tax .apprx. 50% of the individual''s maximal O2 consumption. This intensity can be secured by recording the individual''s heart rate during the activity, by using the talk speed intensity or by using perceived exertion according to the Borg scale. During the first weeks of training the intensity should be even lower in to avoid injuries to the musculo-skeletal system.