Low Mental Energy May Affect Older Adults' Walking Ability More Than Physical Fatigue

According to research from Clarkson University, low "mental energy" may affect walking patterns in older adults more than physical fatigue, reports News-Medical.net . The researchers studied a group of older adults, average age 75, while they did physically and mentally strenuous tasks. First, the participants completed a timed walking test at normal speed for six minutes before and after completing cognitive tests. These tests involved math problems and visually identifying specific numbers and sequences on a computer. The participants also reported their mood, motivation, and energy levels after both the activities. The study found no change in gait connected to mental fatigue during the first 30 seconds of the follow-up walking test. However, researchers discovered that walking speed and stride length declined in people who reported more cognitive fatigue, but not in response to falling physical energy levels. The researchers say more research is needed to determine "why feelings of physical energy and fatigue are not related to gait."