LE3 .A278 2009

2009

Murphy, René
Seaman, Roxanne

Acadia University

Bachelor of Science

Honours

Biology

Biology

Aging is a natural part of one’s developmental program and is accompanied by several behavioural, physical and physiological changes. The first chapter of this thesis touches on the underlying physiological changes of aging and the factors that affect the process. It explores cardiovascular deficits experienced by individuals with muscle atrophy, and finally, looks at the effectiveness of passive cycling as a method of muscle rehabilitation in individuals with muscle atrophy. The second chapter of this thesis examines the effectiveness of a passive cycling exercise intervention on the body composition of elderly, frail, nursing home residents. The aim of the pilot study was to determine if this type intervention would yield significant changes. It was determined that a 4 week intervention where the participants exercised 3 times a week for 10 minutes was not sufficient to yield significant changes. Further research is required to determine the appropriate frequency and duration of a passive cycling intervention so that significance may be observed.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:603