This course focuses on the mechanisms of sarcopenia in older adults, exercise interventions, and safe exercise prescription design. The first section explains the major causes of sarcopenia, including reduced muscle protein synthesis, hormonal changes, neuromuscular degeneration, chronic inflammation, inadequate nutrition, and insufficient physical activity. Students learn about the health impacts of sarcopenia, such as increased fall risk, reduced mobility, impaired metabolic function, heightened chronic disease risk, and its long-term effects on independence and healthy lifespan. The second section introduces fitness training and functional exercise strategies, covering resistance training, aerobic exercise, flexibility work, and balance training as methods to improve strength, endurance, cardiovascular capacity, and daily functional performance. Functional movements such as sit-to-stand, lifting, and stepping are discussed in relation to fall prevention and daily activity enhancement. The final section focuses on developing safe and effective exercise prescriptions for older adults, including the FITT principle, intensity regulation (RPE, heart rate), progressive training planning, pre- and post-exercise monitoring, identification of common risks (e.g., hypotension, fatigue, joint discomfort), and safety-instruction techniques. Overall, the course emphasizes evidence-based design, individualized adjustments, and elder-friendly exercise strategies to ensure safe and effective exercise participation among older adults.

Implemented by Department of Exercise and Health Sciences
Date: 2025/11/19