Israeli Researchers Find That How Fast You Step Could Indicate Health and Independence in Seniors
Predicting how long a person will live doesn’t involve a crystal ball. But it is a question that has eluded doctors for centuries. Now, the answer could be just steps away.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) found that the speed that senior adults can take a voluntary step, especially when distracted by another task, may clinically predict health and survivability, according to a press release from BGU.
The research, led by professor Itshak Melzer from BGU’s Department of Physical Therapy, alongside colleagues from BGU and Soroka University Medical Center in collaboration with the University of Minnesota and RxFunction Inc, was published in the journal Gerontology.
The Predictive Power of Steps
Geriatric care has usually measured life expectancy through chronological age and medical histories but functional indicators – like walking speed – is a gauge of both health and independence. The researchers set out to determine if step speed and balance could be used to determine survival rates.
The study tested 120 older adults that were divided into two groups. The first was below 75 and the second group was over 75, reported The Jerusalem Post. The participants stood on a force platform – a biomechanical instrument that measurers ground reaction and the center of pressure when the person stood, moved, and walked.
The study analyzed balance data from 120 older adults who were tracked for 10 to 17 years after initial testing. The researchers found a link between step initiation hesitation and mortality risk. That’s because slow stepping frequently means a decline in physical activity and health.
Testing the gait of elderly patients could become a gold standard in predicting longevity. “Incorporating dual-task-based assessments into standard clinical evaluations could significantly improve survival prediction and help guide early interventions targeting cognitive-motor health,” Melzer told JPost.
What Can You Do?
This doesn’t mean that everything is set in stone. You can improve your mobility by doing balance exercises like heal-to-toe walking, single-leg stands, and chair squats. Always support yourself with a wall or sturdy chair to prevent falls when you exercise.
“It’s never too late to improve balance, but one must always consult a physician before starting to exercise at this age. We will study it with more people and follow up,” Melzer said.
He added that seniors could reduce their risk of falling by not talking or getting distracted when they walk.
While this study was based on statistics, follow up studies on larger groups is necessary to fully assess how much your step speed predicts longevity. “Our results showed averages – not predictions of individual patients. There are people who are [walking the] slowest and will not die prematurely. Those who are fastest mustn’t think they’ll live forever,” Melzer concluded.
