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Birmingham, UK – A new study published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity reveals that regular exercise can significantly mitigate the detrimental effects of mental fatigue in older adults. Researchers from the University of Birmingham and the University of Extremadura in Spain found that physically active retired individuals demonstrated greater resilience to mental fatigue compared to their sedentary counterparts.
The research, conducted in two parts, examined the impact of age and physical activity on cognitive and physical performance. The first study compared sedentary men aged 52-64 with those aged 65-79. Results indicated that older men performed worse on cognitive and physical tests, especially when mentally fatigued.
The second study, involving retired men and women aged 66-72, further supported these findings. Physically active participants outperformed sedentary individuals in both mentally rested and fatigued states.
Professor Chris Ring from the University of Birmingham, the study’s corresponding author, emphasized the importance of regular physical activity for older adults. “This study shows how important physical activity is for adults as they get older, and in general for avoiding the worst impacts of mental fatigue on cognitive and physical performance,” he stated.
The researchers highlighted that mental fatigue negatively impacts performance in older adults, and this effect is exacerbated by aging and inactivity. However, regular exercise can counteract these effects, improving cognition, exercise capacity, and mental fatigue resilience.
Professor Ring suggested three practical steps for older adults to enhance their performance in demanding situations:
- Increase Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in consistent exercise routines.
- Cognitive and Physical Warm-Ups: Preparing for tasks with a combination of mental and physical exercises.
- Brain Endurance Training (BET): Combining cognitive and exercise tasks to improve mental fatigue resilience and physical performance.
“For older adults in particular, regular exercise represents a simple but effective means to stave off the effects of age in a host of areas, including avoiding the negative effects of feeling mentally fatigued after a particularly taxing task,” Professor Ring added.
The study underscores the crucial role of physical activity in maintaining cognitive and physical function in aging populations.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the referenced study and should not be considered medical advice. Individuals should consult with their healthcare providers before making any changes to their exercise routines. Results may vary, and the findings of this study do not guarantee specific outcomes for all individuals.
