Scientists reveal test you can do at home to measure ageing As people age, their ability to stand on their nondominant leg declines at the fastest rate.
Scientists reveal test you can do at home to measure ageing In a recent study, researchers found that standing on one leg for an extended period of time is a more accurate indicator of aging than changes in strength or gait.
According to earlier research, maintaining an independent lifestyle in later life is facilitated by having strong muscles, good balance, and an effective gait.
The majority of unintentional falls among those 65 and older are caused by a loss of balance, making them the top cause of injuries in this population.
Researchers assessed 40 healthy, self-sufficient adults over 50 on their walking, balance, knee, and grip strength in the new study, which was published in the journal PLoS ONE.
Half of the participants were 65 years of age or older, and half were younger.
Participants in the balancing tests stood on force plates for 30 seconds in a variety of scenarios. They stood with their eyes open on both feet in one scenario, closed on both feet in another, open on the non-dominant leg in a third, and open on their dominant leg in the final scenario.
Anywhere they wanted, they could hold the leg they weren’t standing on.
The grip strength was also measured by scientists using a specially designed tool.
They were instructed to extend each knee as vigorously as they could while seated in order to measure their knee strength.
Participants in the gait test moved at their own pace back and forth on an 8-meter level walkway.
Researchers found that the greatest rate of deterioration with age was observed when standing on one leg, notably the nondominant limb.