The Effect of Aging on Human Body Composition

Firstly, the differences in ambulation may be present due to the effects of aging on the composition of the human body has been researched. There is not enough substantial evidence to corroborate, whether these changes in gait are responsible for causing individuals to exert additional energy during walking. Henceforth there have been previous investigations conducted which demonstrated that seniors who had a reduced walking pace regularly utilized additional amounts of oxygen to traverse a similar area in comparison to individuals who maneuvered more quickly.

The previous studies also indicated that as an individual’s exercise ability decreases with age. The senior’s appropriate level of stamina for walking at a sufficient pace is also heightened. Physical decline can be more prevalent as individuals navigate through the life course which may directly influence older people to display a decreased level of endurance and stamina

Aim of study

Secondly, the study postulated knee tenderness was partly due to the large concentration of stamina required for walking that exists with the onset of aging.

Additionally, the researchers in this investigation have been intrigued in learning about this pertaining relationship, so they analyzed the designated gait limitations that coincide with knee discomfort. Finally, these limitations were recorded as a possible intermediate of the hypothetical connection between advancing age and an increased display of exertion during ambulation.

Methods

Hereafter, the corresponding information for this study was collected from a sample of three hundred and sixty-four men and one hundred and seventy women. Each of the participants was educated on the purpose of the study and signed a consent form before engaging in the experiment.

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The individuals ranged in age from sixty to ninety-six years old who were involved with the BLSA had attended a clinical appointment that occurred between the dates. These individuals were then monitored at the ambulation testing area. There had been various parameters which prevented participants from being included in the study which was individuals that received a lower limb replacement, immense knee discomfort, prior medical diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident or the individual is unable to successfully follow mandated rules that are assigned at the ambulation testing area. IN addition the individual’s stamina consumption was calculated by employing Cosmed energy tester which was determined from the amount of oxygen expended while engaging in walking for approximately two minutes. The participants gait was measured by attaching twenty reflective indicators which were placed on varying points of their body and the data was recorded on a three-dimensional movement capture machine. The gait specifications that the study evaluated were walking pace; twice support time and joint movement. Finally, the traits of the research participants and their oxygen exertion were examined by the implementation of a basic linear movement study.

Results

Moreover the individuals that have knee discomfort were aged and demonstrated a reduced capacity for energy consumption in contrast to the participants without joint tenderness that were walking a comparable distance. In relation to individuals who were not experiencing knee discomfort participants that had joint tenderness displayed a mitigated walking pace and diminished movement of their lower limbs. Individuals with joint discomfort, walking pace and knee movement were adversely correlated with oxygen exertion Therefore in contrast, participants that did not have joint tenderness and twice the assistance time and ankle movement had been decisively correlated with oxygen usage. Finally, the intermediary study conducted of the positive relationship amongst oxygen intake; walking pace and knee movement had been concluded to be accurate indicators of a person’s age and breathing requirements during exercise.

Discussion

Henceforth a significant finding from this study is that individuals with knee discomfort expended large amounts of oxygen and were displaying a reduced level of stamina in contrast to seniors that did not endure knee discomfort even after compensating for walking pace. Since the occurrence of knee discomfort is more prevalent with increasing age, it is justifiable joint pain could be partly to blame for the rise in energy exertion for seniors who engage in walking. The findings from the study convey the existence of stamina ineffectiveness in seniors that have been enduring knee tenderness. Therefore to examine the existence of a casual association amongst walking routine and the stamina expenditure of ambulating would demand long-term evidence that is non-existent of a suitable population of applicants for researchers to analyze. Finally, a form of detection mentioned in the discussion section of the study could assist with the recognition of participants for ambulation capability in seniors which may be susceptible of a reduction in their ability to partake in physical activity.

Critique of Article

On the other hand, longitudinal studies are meticulous in terms of recognizing multiple forms of change. Longitudinal studies provide researchers the opportunity to observe a particular association or variable of interest throughout the duration of the experiment. IN addition, there is a recurring concern with longitudinal research that participants could withdraw from the study due to lack of interest, change in their health, decreased level of ambulation and succumbing to a chronic or debilitating illness. The researchers examined an inadequate number of variables during this particular study. A longitudinal study that occurred over a longer duration of time would have provided more comprehensive data for the researchers to analyze and record their conclusive findings for future generations.

The researcher’s personal biases could have convoluted their findings from the study. The study should have incorporated additional female participants to have a more accurate representation of the senior population. This particular study enlightens readers upon the effects of aging and its cause and effect on a person’s level of ambulation. In closing over the next few decades the senior population is going to significantly increase. Furthermore, the findings from this article can be implemented toward improving the ambulation level of seniors and assisting older individuals with remaining physically active through the latter part of their life.

Works Cited

1. Ko, S., Simonsick, E. M., & Ferrucci, L. (2015). Gait energetic efficiency in older adults with and without knee pain: Results from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.
2. Age, 37(1). doi:10.1007/s11357-015-9754-4