Kinesiology and Health Studies
University of Central Oklahoma
KINS 4203 Physical Activity & Aging
Semester, Year
Course Description: This course is a study of the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of
physical activity for older adults. Topics covered include an overview of aging, benefits of physical
activity throughout the lifespan, and fitness assessment and programming options for older adults.
Course Prerequisites: PHED 3503 and PHED 3333; KINS 4513 and KINS 4323 recommended
Course Objectives: The University of Central Oklahoma has identified six transformative learning tenets
(The Central Six) that place students at the center of their own active and reflective learning experiences.
While any single class may not touch on all six tenets, this course offers opportunities for students to
become engaged in several of The Central Six. It is the goal of the university, college, and department to
support and foster transformative learning in order for students to develop competencies in The Central
Six in order to become productive, creative, and ethical, and engaged citizens and leaders. The Central Six
include discipline knowledge; leadership; problem solving (research, creative and scholarly activities);
service learning and civic engagement; global and cultural competencies; and health and wellness.
General Course Objective
This course is designed to provide learners the ability to communicate the importance of physical activity
for health and quality of life of older adults. At the conclusion of this course, successful students will be
able to:
 Explain the aging process and biological theories of aging – discipline knowledge / health and
wellness;
 Describe the physiological and psychological benefits of physical activity and exercise for older
adults – discipline knowledge / health and wellness;
 Identify and develop strategies to address environmental and policy issues impacting active living
among older adults – discipline knowledge / health and wellness / problem solving;
 Summarize theories of motivation and develop strategies utilizing these theories to promote
initiation and maintenance of a physical activity lifestyle among older adults – discipline
knowledge / health and wellness / problem solving;
 Develop and lead physical activity programs for older adults using the FITT framework and based
on physical activity guidelines – discipline knowledge / health and wellness / leadership /
problem solving;
 Conduct and explain an assessment of physical activity and fitness for an older adult – discipline
knowledge / health and wellness / leadership / problem solving / service learning and civic
engagement / global and cultural competencies;
 Formulate a physical activity plan for an older adults – discipline knowledge / health and
wellness / leadership / problem solving / service learning and civic engagement / global and
cultural competencies;
Note: each objective is cross referenced with at least one of the six tenets (The Central Six) of Transformative Learning
Kinesiology and Health Studies
University of Central Oklahoma
KINS 4203 Physical Activity & Aging
Semester, Year
Instructional Methods and Techniques
1. Independent study/labs
2. Lecture
3. Class and small group discussion/exercises/labs
4. Audio/visual support
5. Other as needed
Method of Evaluation
A = 90% and above; B = 80% and above; C = 70% and above; D = 60% and above; F = below 60%
 A final grade of “C” or better is required of all majors in KHS.
Course -- *Tentative Schedule
Week1 – Understanding Human Aging
Week 2 – Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise for Older Adults
Week 3 – Active Living – Options and Benefits for Older Adults
Week 4 – Motivating Older Adults to Initiate and Maintain a Physically Active Lifestyle
Week 5 – Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults: Endurance Training
Week 6 – Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults: Resistance Training
Week 7 – Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults: Balance Training
Week 8 – Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults: Flexibility Training
Week 9 – Special Consideration and Concerns for Older Adults
Week 10 – Assessing Physical Activity, Fitness, and Progress
Week 11 – Program Design and Leadership
Week 12 – Healthy Body Composition
Week 13 – Prevention of Disability
Week 14 – Helping Older Adults Select the Correct Physical Activity Program
Week 15 – Special Topics Selected by Class
Week 16 – Special Topics Selected by Class
This course covers the following ACSM Task Statements
Lecture, Lab,
or both
Task
Performance Domains and Associated Job Tasks
I.A.1.a
Knowledge of pre-activity screening procedures and tools that provide accurate information about the
individual’s health/medical history, current medical conditions, risk factors, sign/symptoms of disease, current
physical activity habits, and medications.
Lecture
Knowledge of the key components included in informed consent and health/medical history.
Lecture
Knowledge of the limitations of informed consent and health/medical history.
Lecture
I.B.1.a
Knowledge of risk factor thresholds for ACSM risk stratification including genetic and lifestyle factors related
to the development of CVD.
Lecture
I.B.1.g
Knowledge of ACSM risk stratification categories and their implications for medical clearance before
administration of an exercise test or participation in an exercise program.
I.A.1.b
I.A.1.c
I.B.1.h
Knowledge of risk factors that may be favorably modified by physical activity habits.
Both
Lecture
Kinesiology and Health Studies
University of Central Oklahoma
KINS 4203 Physical Activity & Aging
Semester, Year
I.B.2.b
Skill in reviewing pre-activity screening documents to determine the need for medical clearance prior to
exercise and to select appropriate physical fitness assessment protocols.
I.C.1.a
Knowledge of the physiological basis of the major components of physical fitness: cardiorespiratory fitness,
body composition, flexibility, muscular strength, and muscular endurance.
Lab
Lecture
Skill in modifying protocols and procedures for testing children, adolescents, older adults and individuals with
special considerations.
Lab
Lab
II.H.1.d
Skill in synthesizing pre-screening results and reviewing them with participants
Knowledge of the components and sequencing incorporated into an exercise session (e.g., warm-up,
stretching, conditioning or sports related exercise, cool-down).
Skill in implementing exercise prescription guidelines for apparently healthy clients, clients with increased
risk, and clients with controlled disease.
Knowledge of the unique dietary needs of participant populations (e.g., women, children, older adults,
pregnant women).
Knowledge of normal maturational changes, from childhood to old age, and their effects on the skeletal
muscle, bone, reaction time, coordination, posture, heat and cold tolerance, maximal oxygen consumption,
strength, flexibility, body composition, resting and maximal heart rate, and resting and maximal blood
pressure.
Knowledge of techniques for the modification of cardiovascular, flexibility, and resistance exercises based on
age, functional capacity and physical condition.
Knowledge of techniques for the development of exercise prescriptions for children, adolescents and older
adults with regard to strength, functional capacity, and motor skills.
Knowledge of the unique adaptations to exercise training in children, adolescents, and older participants with
regard to strength, functional capacity, and motor skills.
II.H.1.e
Knowledge of the benefits and precautions associated with exercise training across the lifespan.
I.C.2.b
II.A.1.a
II.B.1.h
II.B.2.c
II.F.1.e
II.H.1.a
II.H.1.b
II.H.1.c
Lecture
Both
Lecture
Lecture
Lecture
Both
Both
Lecture
Lecture
II.H.1.h
Knowledge of the recommended FITT framework for the development of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular
fitness and flexibility in apparently healthy children and adolescents.
Knowledge of the effects of the aging process on the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular structures and
functions during rest, exercise, and recovery.
Knowledge of the recommended FITT framework necessary for the development of cardiorespiratory fitness,
muscular fitness, balance, and flexibility in apparently healthy, older adults.
II.H.1.i
Knowledge of common orthopedic and cardiovascular exercise considerations for older adults.
Lecture
II.H.1.f
II.H.1.g
II.H.1.j
II.H.1.k
II.H.2.a
II.H.2.b
III.A.1.a
III.A.1.b
III.A.1.c
III.A.2.b
III.A.2.c
III.A.2.d
III.C.1.e
III.C.1.f
III.C.1.g
III.C.1.h
III.C.2.a
III.C.2.b
III.C.1.c
Knowledge of the relationship between regular physical activity and the successful performance of activities
of daily living (ADLs) for older adults.
Knowledge of the recommended frequency, intensity, type, and duration of physical activity necessary for the
development of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness and flexibility in apparently healthy pregnant
women.
Skill in teaching and demonstrating appropriate exercises for healthy populations with special considerations.
Skill in modifying exercises based on age, physical condition, and current health status.
Knowledge of the effective and timely uses of communication modes (e.g., email, telephone, web site,
newsletters).
Knowledge of verbal and non-verbal behaviors that communicate positive reinforcement and encouragement
(e.g., eye contact, targeted praise, empathy).
Knowledge of group leadership techniques for working with participants of all ages.
Skill in applying teaching and training techniques to optimize participant training sessions.
Skill in using feedback to optimize participant training sessions.
Skill in applying verbal and non-verbal communications with diverse participant populations.
Knowledge of the activities of daily living (ADLs) and how they relate to overall health.
Knowledge in accessing and disseminating scientifically-based, relevant health, exercise, nutrition, and
wellness-related resources and information.
Knowledge of specific, age-appropriate leadership techniques and educational methods to increase client
engagement.
Knowledge of community-based exercise programs that provide social support and structured activities (e.g.,
walking clubs, intramural sports, golf leagues, cycling clubs).
Skill in accessing and delivering health, exercise, and wellness-related information.
Skill in educating clients about benefits and risks of exercise and the risks of sedentary behavior.
Knowledge of modifications necessary to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors for diverse populations.
Both
Lecture
Both
Lecture
Lab
Lab
Both
Both
Both
Lab
Lab
Lab
Lecture
Both
Both
Both
Lab
Lab
Lecture