Untitled Document

Research

Kelli F. Koltyn

Ph.D. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology
koltyn@education.wisc.edu
http://www.education.wisc.edu/kinesiology/faculty/#Koltyn

Benefits of Being Physically Active in Later Life

Physical inactivity has been recognized to be an important risk factor in determining the health of older adults (Healthy People, 2000; 2010). It is associated with an increased risk of developing a number of degenerative and chronic medical conditions. In contrast, participation in regular physical activity elicits a number of favorable responses that contribute to healthy aging. However, despite the positive benefits of regular physical activity, it has been estimated that 70% of older adults do not engage in regular physical activity. Furthermore, it has been suggested that physical inactivity is even more prevalent in older adults residing in assisted-living facilities due to functional limitations and pain associated with movement. Only a limited amount of research has been conducted with this segment of the older population. A focus of my research program involves examining the effects of physical activity in community-dwelling older adults, as well as in adults residing in assisted-living facilities.

It has been reported that musculoskeletal pain is the most common chronic pain condition in older adults (JAMA,1998). Pain has a negative impact on millions of individuals each year, and with an increasingly rapid growth of the aging population, pain-related complaints will continue to increase. Pain is the most common reason for medical appointments, and is considered to be a critical national health problem (NIH, 1995). Further research is needed examining the impact of exercise on pain, and the current focus of my research program involves examining the efficacy of strength training in the management of pain in older adults residing in assisted-living facilities. In addition, pain has been shown to have a negative impact on quality of life; thus, we are also examining the efficacy of strength training to enhance quality of life.

Representative Publications
Koltyn, K.F., & Stegner, A.J. (2008). Feasibility of a strength training program to reduce pain in older women in assisted living. Clinical Journal of Pain, 24(4), 369-370.

Koltyn, K.F., & Umeda, M. (2007). Contralateral attenuation of pain after short-duration submaximal isometric exercise. The Journal of Pain, 8(11), 887-89.

Koltyn, K.F., & Umeda, M. (2006). Exercise, hypoalgesia and blood pressure. Sports Medicine, 36, 207-214.

Koltyn, K.F. (2005). Psychophysics: perceived exertion. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 4, 509-517.

Drury, D.G., Greenwood, K, Stuemfle, K.J. & Koltyn, K.F (2005). Changes in pain perception in women during and following exhaustive incremental exercise. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 4, 215-222.

Koltyn, K.F, Landis, J.A., & Dannecker, E.A. (2003). Influence of oral contraceptive use on pain perception and blood pressure. Health Care for Women International, 24, 221-229.

Dannecker, E.A., Koltyn, K.F., Riley, J.L., & Robinson, M.E. (2003). Sex differences in delayed onset muscle soreness. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 43, 78-84.

Koltyn, K.F. (2002). Exercise-induced hypoalgesia and intensity of exercise. Sports Medicine, 32, 477-487.

Koltyn, K.F. (2002). Using physical activity to manage pain in older adults. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 10, 226-239.

Koltyn, K.F., Trine, M.L., Stegner, A.J., & Tobar, D.A. (2001). Influence of isometric exercise on pain perception and blood pressure. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 33, 282-290.

Koltyn, K.F. (2001). The association between physical activity and quality of life in older women. Women's Health Issues, 11, 471-480.

Koltyn, K.F. (2000). Analgesia following exercise: A review. Sports Medicine, 29, 85-98.

Cook, D.B., & Koltyn, K.F. (2000). Pain and exercise. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 31, 256-277.

Focht, B.C., & Koltyn, K.F. (1999). Influence of resistance exercise of different intensities on state anxiety, mood, and blood pressure. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31, 456-463.

Koltyn, K.F., Focht, B.C., Anker, J.M., & Pasley, J. (1999). Experimentally induced pain perception in men and women in the morning and evening. International Journal of Neuroscience, 98, 1-11.

Brill, P.A., Jensen, R.L., Koltyn, K.F., Morgan, L.A., Morrow, J.R., Keller, M.J., & Jackson, A.W. (1998). The feasibility of conducting a group-based progressive strength training program in residents of a multi-level care facility. Activities, Adaptations and Aging, 22, 53-63.

Koltyn, K.F., & Arbogast, R.W. (1998). Perception of pain after resistance exercise. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 32, 20-24.

Arbogast, R.W., & Koltyn, K.F. (1997). Influence of gender and a weight training session on pain perception. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 29(5), S213.

Koltyn, K.F. (1997). The thermogenic hypothesis. In W.P. Morgan (Ed.), Physical activity and mental health (pp. 213-226). Washington DC: Taylor & Francis.

Koltyn, K.F., Wertz, A.L., Gardiner, R.L., & Nelson, T.F. (1996). Perception of pain following acute physical activity. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 28(11), 1418-1421.

Koltyn, K.F., Raglin, J.S., O'Connor, P.J., & Morgan, W.P. (1995). Influence of weight training on state anxiety, body awareness, and blood pressure. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 16(4), 266-269.

Want to find more Publications? Click here to search the publication database