Aging changes walking mechanics, may increase fatigue, study finds

Canberra, Aug. 17 (SANA) Aging may change the way people walk as the body increasingly prioritizes stability over speed and efficiency, potentially leading to shorter steps, slower movement and greater fatigue, a new study has found.

Researchers from Flinders University and the University of Canberra analyzed movement data from 107 healthy adults aged 26 to 86 and identified age-related changes in how leg and ankle muscles function during walking, ScienceDaily reported on Sunday.

The study found that older adults tended to activate opposing muscles around the ankle simultaneously, a process known as co-contraction. While this increases ankle stiffness and can improve stability when the foot hits the ground, it also requires greater muscular effort without necessarily producing more forward propulsion.

Older participants generated less propulsive force with each step, which researchers said could partly explain shorter strides and slower walking speeds with age.

The findings suggest the nervous system may increasingly favor stability and safety as people age. That strategy can make walking more physically demanding, contribute to fatigue and make longer distances more difficult, while potentially reducing the ability to respond to trips or slips.

Researchers said regular physical activity could help limit some age-related changes, recommending exercises that strengthen the legs and improve balance and coordination, including balance training and tai chi.

The findings could also help inform more effective fall-prevention and rehabilitation programs aimed at helping older adults maintain mobility and independence.

R.D/ABD