Specific Considerations in Geriatric Athletes

Abstract

Geriatric athletes suffer from the same age-related changes of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and balance as their non-athlete counterparts, albeit as lesser rates. More than 10 million Americans have osteoporosis and an estimated additional 33.6 million have low bone density of the hip. Hip fractures increase mortality 10–20 % within 1 year. Approximately 20 % of patients who sustain a hip fracture need long-term nursing home care. Only 40 % of hip fracture patients regain their previous level of independence.

Risk factors for osteoporosis include physical inactivity, low body weight, low dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, excessive alcohol use, smoking, certain medications or medical conditions, personal history of low-trauma fractures, family history of osteoporosis or low-trauma fractures, white or Asian race, and female sex. Screening and preventive measures are still not regularly being recommended and implemented in primary care despite current clinical knowledge about osteoporosis and hip fractures.

The fall rate in elderly patients is estimated to be 33 % per year, though less than half of these patients admit these falls to their healthcare provider. Numerous studies have shown that exercise can improve fall risks such as poor balance, gait impairment, and muscle weakness. Effective balance programs are associated with a 50 % reduction in falls.

Exercise programs for geriatric athletes should include lower body weight-bearing, balance, and flexibility in order to maintain or improve function of the hip and pelvis and to prevent falls and hip fractures.