ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the various populations that will benefit from specific exercise programs and demonstrates an understanding of the roles of strength training in different special populations. Due to the size of the demographic and the need for physical activity in the geriatric clients, health fitness professionals will increasingly interact with this population. The chapter discusses the role of strength training in various musculoskeletal diseases and the role of strength training in attenuating the progressive nature of these diseases. The typical aging process has deleterious effects on human skeletal muscles and is associated with loss of muscle mass, muscle strength and power, and eventually difficulty with activity of daily living. Sarcopenia can not only impact an older person's quality of life but is also an independent risk factor for difficulties with activity of daily livings, longer hospital stays, higher rates of hospital re-admission, osteoporosis, falls, and even death. The chapter presents an appropriate exercise prescription for various special populations.
