All articles tagged with #walking speed
Research shows that increasing walking cadence by about 14 steps per minute can significantly improve physical function in frail or prefrail older adults, with a new smartphone app helping to measure and encourage this brisker pace for better health and independence.
Increasing walking speed by 14 steps per minute significantly improves physical function in frail or prefrail seniors, with faster walkers nearly twice as likely to see meaningful improvements in mobility, suggesting simple step-count targets can guide effective exercise interventions for aging populations.
Walking speed is a simple yet powerful indicator of brain and body health, with slower gait linked to faster aging, cognitive decline, and increased health risks; maintaining an active lifestyle can help improve walking speed and overall health.
A study published in JAMA involving nearly 17,000 adults over 65 found that a slower walking pace is linked to a higher risk of dementia and cognitive decline. Participants who experienced both a decline in walking speed and cognitive function had the highest risk. The study suggests that walking speed, being easy and inexpensive to measure, could be used in dementia risk assessments. Maintaining a brisk walking pace and engaging in healthy behaviors can help protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.
A study published in JAMA Network Open has identified slow walking speed as a potential early indicator of dementia. Researchers found that individuals over 65 who experienced a decline in both walking speed and cognitive ability had a higher risk of developing dementia. The study suggests that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, could help prevent cognitive decline. Experts recommend strength training and stretching to keep muscles strong and flexible, potentially reducing the risk of dementia.
Determining what constitutes a brisk walk depends on a person's baseline fitness level, and the Borg Perceived Exertion Scale is a useful tool to gauge intensity. Walking speed naturally decreases with age, but it is possible to improve with proper form, interval training, walking on inclines, and gradual progression. Walking with weights is not recommended as it can affect form and cause injury. Any amount of walking, even in short intervals, can be beneficial for overall health. Warming up, cooling down, and wearing comfortable shoes are also important for a successful walking routine.
A study conducted by the University of Minnesota and Monash University suggests that walking slower in old age could be a red flag for dementia. The study examined 17,000 participants aged over 75 and found that those who lost 0.05 meters per second from their walking pace every year showed signs of mental decline. The researchers believe that the link between brain decline and walking speed could be due to the areas of the brain involved in controlling walking and pace. Those who experienced a decline in both cognition and walking speed were found to be at a higher risk of dementia. The study highlights the importance of assessing both speed and memory to detect cognitive decline and assess future decline.