Journal Club: Aging Strong

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Today on the blog I ran across a really good article from the JOSPT (Journal of Orthopedic and Sport Physical Therapy). And I thought it was unique because it actually focused more on the geriatric population. If you have been following this blog for any length of time, you might know that the Journal Club posts cover a wide range of types of PT because I know many of you are not Orthopedic/Sports Med like myself.

And that is great! We need folks to specialize in all different fields of PT study and practice. But as I was thinking through all the different articles over the years, I don’t think I’ve ever discussed focusing on the elderly. We’ve covered all kinds of neuro studies, pediatric studies, orthopedic studies, and even some psychosocial studies, but nothing in practices for treating the aged population. So, I am happy to include an article focused on the geriatric population today.

Aging Strong: Should We Be Utilizing Resistance and Plyometric Training In Our Older Adult Patients?

What I appreciated about this brief article is that it is succinct. The other cites a few great studies for the analysis on the safety of using such treatment, the cost benefit analysis of incorporating this type of approach in your rehab plan, and some practical, evidenced based general guidelines to help an older adult start utilizing resistance and plyometric activities.

Now, you might have a good guess as to the answer and conclusion already, but I think you will find some of the rationale and guidelines helpful in your own practice, wherever that may be, as you interact and treat patients above 65. If you have additional comments, thoughts, or experiences in this field, I would live to hear from you!

Jason

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