Reasons why our walking becomes slower and more tiring with age have been uncovered by new Australian research — with findings showing the body increasingly sacrifices efficiency to stay upright.
Reasons why our walking becomes slower and more tiring with age have been uncovered by new Australian research — with findings showing the body increasingly sacrifices efficiency to stay upright.
The study, led by Flinders University and the University of Canberra, reveals that as we age, the body adopts a “safety-first” walking style that prioritises stability at the cost of speed and energy efficiency, which helps explain why older adults tire more easily and face a higher risk of falls.
Analysing movement data from 107 healthy adults aged 26 to 86, researchers identified subtle but important changes in how the ankle and surrounding muscles control each step.
Lead author and expert in sport and exercise technology, Dr Cody Lindsay, says the ankle plays a critical role in both balance and forward motion.
Read More: Flinders University
Photo Credit: tatlin via Pixabay
