Bird bulking: Exercise in youth decreases energy used for moving as an adult
Physical activity in adulthood may depend on exercise during growth, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers. The study, conducted in birds, is the first to directly demonstrate that experiences during development influence how efficiently adults use energy during movement.
A new study led by Penn State researchers has found that physical activity during youth can influence how efficiently adults use energy during movement. The research, conducted on guinea fowl, suggests that experiences during development can affect the energy required for movement in adulthood. Birds that carried weights throughout development were able to move using the same amount of energy with or without the weight, while those that did not carry weight used 23% more energy when the same weight was strapped to their ankles.
This finding could have significant implications for human health, as it suggests that adults who were not physically active as children may need to expend more energy for the same movement, potentially leading to reduced activity levels. The study indicates that more exercise during childhood could make it easier for people to remain or become more active as adults, with potential benefits for overall well-being, including heart and mental health.
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