Answer: In 2011, the American College of Sports Medicine published a position stand entitled “Quantity and Quality of Exercise for Developing and Maintaining Cardiorespiratory, Musculoskeletal, and Neuromotor Fitness in Apparently Healthy Adults: Guidance for Prescribing Exercise.” The position stand includes this summary statement (5): “A program of regular exercise that includes cardiorespiratory, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor exercise training beyond activities of daily living to improve and maintain physical fitness and health is essential for most adults.” The position stand examines the potential benefits for each of the listed exercise program components, along with the level of evidence currently available to support the recommendations given.
Explanation: Based on the available evidence, neuromotor exercises focusing on balance, coordination, gait, agility, and proprioceptive training are recommended as part of a comprehensive exercise program (including cardiorespiratory, resistance, and flexibility exercises) for older individuals (6). Younger and middle-aged adults also may benefit if engaging in activities relying on agility, balance, and other motor skills.
