Exercise Medicine for the Frailty Syndrome

Frailty  is a clinical syndrome caused by multiple chronic conditions that makes  it difficult to maintain homeostasis. In part, it is the result of the  body’s inability to regulate normal inflammatory responses that lead to  muscle loss, decrease in strength, and independence. Regular exercise  helps to optimize physiological performance. It is a profound influence,  especially in the presence of physical inactivity, where the lack of  exercise leads to poor health and decreased longevity. Unfortunately, a  high percentage of Americans fail to engage in daily exercise with the  older population becoming increasingly frail, which is a syndrome  characterized by declines in musculoskeletal and physiologic reserve and  function. It has been documented that exercise is medicine and can be  better than the effects induced by drugs. Exercise physiologists are  healthcare professionals. They are key professionals in developing and  applying an exercise medicine prescription for frail adults.

Exercise Medicine for the Frailty Syndrome  speaks to the benefits of exercise medicine as the best therapy to  prevent or reverse the age-related muscle loss and functional deficits  that are predictive of an increase in falls, hospitalization,  institutionalization, and mortality. This book is a proactive step to  help increase the functional independence of older frail adults. It  highlights Board Certification by the American Society of Exercise  Physiologists as the professional qualification to improve society’s  understanding of the biological treatment and complexity of the frailty  syndrome and is key reading for Exercise Physiologists.