Analysis of Common Exercise Modalities in Improving Athletic Performance in Older Adults: A Narrative Review

Author: Chantal Nguyen1, Matthew Kaufman1, Adrian Vallejo2, Sarah DeParis1, Anne Friedlander3, Levi Frehlich1, Michael Fredericson1
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA. <sup>2</sup> University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA. <sup>3</sup> Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA.
Conference/Journal: Curr Sports Med Rep
Date published: 2024 Jun 1
Other: Volume ID: 23 , Issue ID: 6 , Pages: 245-252 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000001175. , Word Count: 145


Exercise leads to robust cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and psychological benefits that improve quality of life and longevity for older adults, but accompanying improvements in athletic parameters are less well explored. The aim of this review is to summarize some of the most common exercise modalities, namely, Pilates, martial arts (tai chi, Japanese-style karate, hard martial arts), locomotion (brisk walking/jogging and running), Masters sports, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training, in improving athletic performance for older adults. Regular participation in these activities can have robust yet unique impacts on physical performance that prolong exercise participation. In particular, this review will explore benefits in cardiorespiratory fitness, power, strength, flexibility, and balance, thereby hopefully improving endurance, exercise adherence, and overall fall risk. A narrative literature review was performed to explore benefits, pitfalls, and recommendations for some of the most popular exercise modalities for older adults.


PMID: 38838688 DOI: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000001175