As we age, it’s well-known that our movements tend to slow down. Recent research from the University of Colorado Boulder sheds light on why this happens, suggesting that older adults may move slower because it costs them more energy than younger people. These findings could pave the way for new diagnostic tools for diseases like Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
Energy Costs and Movement Efficiency in Older Adults: In a study involving 84 participants, researchers found that older adults, aged 66 to 87, moved slower to conserve energy. Using a robotic arm to reach targets on a screen, the study revealed that older participants adjusted their movements to manage their limited energy resources better. This suggests that age-related muscle inefficiency and less effective movement strategies contribute to the slower pace.
Dr. Alaa A. Ahmed, a senior author of the study, explained that with age, muscle cells become less efficient at converting energy into muscle force, leading to the recruitment of more muscles for the same tasks, which increases energy expenditure.
Implications for Diagnosing Neurological Disorders: The findings highlight the potential for new diagnostic tools for movement-related disorders. Understanding why movement slows with age and in conditions like Parkinson’s can lead to better interventions. Dr. Ahmed emphasized that tracking movements could become a valuable noninvasive biomarker of neurological health.
The Importance of Staying Active: Dr. Clifford Segil, a neurologist, supports the study’s encouragement of exercise for older adults, emphasizing the adage, “If you don’t use it, you will lose it.” He advocates for more research on how the aging brain adapts to movement challenges.
Ryan Glatt, a senior brain health coach, noted that while the study offers intriguing hypotheses, direct neurological evidence is needed to fully understand the link between movement patterns and brain function changes due to aging.
Conclusion: This research provides crucial insights into the reasons behind slower movements in older adults, highlighting energy conservation as a key factor. It underscores the importance of staying active and points to potential new ways to diagnose and treat neurological disorders.
