Kevin Taki

18/01/2015

Fitness Prescription for Maggie

Fitness Prescription for Maggie

There are countless sources of CVD interventions and ways of lessening the
risk factors for CVD in older age adults. Oftentimes, this is a much overlooked group,
due to the supposed incompetence, inability to preform physical tasks and lack of desire.
This however is far from true.
In the case study of Maggie, a senior 74 years of age who is slightly
overweight and living with multiple pre-existing medical conditions (such as
hypertension and phalangeal osteoarthritis), is introduced. Recently, she has moved into a
seniors residence. Though these may serve as barriers to her physical fitness, she also
has many facilitators, such as living in close proximity to many immediate family
members and friends. As well, her previous participation in a gentle fitness class at a
seniors center can been seen as a positive aspect to her history.
Any low-moderate impact physical activity, which focuses on cardiovascular
endurance would serve to be beneficial for Maggies cardiovascular health. As well as
this, moderate resistance training with very light free weights will help allow Maggie to
maintain her balance and co-ordination.
A modified Nordic walking group could be recommended, as there have been
studies done which test group of individuals living with COPD (breathing problems, in
short) and their ability to participate in cardiovascular exercise. However, due to the
phalangeal osteoarthritis, Maggie may be required to use modified walking poles which
do not cause further aggravation to the joints. This will serve to both increase & maintain
her muscle tone, and increase her cardiovascular health.
If Maggie is able to exercise to within her training zone, she may be able to
lower her risk for developing any more/further CVDs, such as arterio/atherosclerosis,
congestive heart failure or having an acute myocardial infarction. These exercises need
only be preformed for short periods of time to begin, but may and should increase in
duration as Maggies cardiovascular system begins to adjust to the workload.
Maggie should aim to do the Nordic walking 3-5 times a week, with a light
aerobic warm up of her choice. As well, she should ensure she does a light cool down of
her choice.
Proper supervision and training should be done by the PT/OT/TRP if
implementing the intervention.
Due to the location and the residency, Maggie may be able to join a nordic
walking group already in session.
Maggies Heart Rates
Bellow, the target exercise zones for Maggies heart rate will be stated.
Resting heart rate.
75bpm
Maximum heart rate.
155bpm
Heart rate reserve.
80.5 bpm
Target training zone.
127bpm - 139bpm

Kevin Taki
18/01/2015

Fitness Prescription for Maggie