Deconditioning

• Deconditioning

  • defined as the multiple, potentially reversible changes in body systems brought about by physical inactivity and disuse
  • Such changes often have significant functional and clinical consequences especially in older people.
• Reasons for deconditioning include:

  • disuse
  • immobilisation
  • low physical activity levels / sedentarism (population issue)
  • innervation / neurological problem (CVA, multiple sclerosis, Spinal cord lesions)
  • space travel
• Conclusion:

  • De-conditioned muscles threaten function & independence but can be conditioned / trained - training must be specific and ongoing
  • Laws of training must be respected:
  • Overload
  • Specificity
  • Reversibility