Biology 105
Biology of Exercise
Spring 2003

The population of the United States is getting older, and older adults are increasingly turning towards exercise to stay fit and healthy. Evaluate the following statements about this topic. (Note: I made up some of the statements below, they are only intended as examples in this exercise).

1. The data in a recent Journal of Applied Physiology article show that older men get some benefits from strength training programs.
2. My grandmother walks every day and she is very healthy.
3. Older people benefit from exercise.
4. In a recent study, 26 older adults who performed 3 days per week of moderate aerobic activity had better cardiovascular health than 26 control subjects who were given lectures on proper eating.
5. Professor Gillen told me that exercise is good for older people.
6. The American College of Sports Medicine position statement on exercise in older adults states, "Participation in a regular exercise program is an effective intervention/modality to reduce/prevent a number of functional declines associated with aging."
7. I have worked in a nursing home for 25 years, and I have seen that our residents who stay active live longer and are happier than those who are inactive.
8. Last night, 20/20 presented a special on the benefits that older adults can get from exercise.
   

Fill in the chart below.

Which 3 statements do you consider more scientific?
Which 3 statements are the most reliable?
Which 3 statements do you consider least scientific?
Which 3 statements are the least reliable?

Further questions to ponder.

What are the general characteristics of the most scientific statements?

What are the general characteristics of most reliable statements?

Is there anything else you would like to know about any of these statements before making a final judgment?