April 24, 2018

We have all been there. One day, our little nieces and nephews are holding our hand, toddling their way down the sidewalk and then, in what feels like only days later, they are running circles around us. Researchers have finally discovered why kids can make us feel completely out of shape: they literally have the fitness levels of endurance athletes.

Researchers Sébastien Ratel, Associate Professor in Exercise Physiology Université Clermont Auvergne, France, and co-author Anthony Blazevich, Professor in Biomechanics at Edith Cowan University, Australia, have discovered that children, who must take more steps to keep up with larger adults, naturally develop “fatigue-resistant muscles and the ability to recover very quickly from high-intensity exercise.” This is what enables them to play and play while we grow more and more tired.

The study, published today in Frontiers in Physiology, compared the energy output and post-exercise recovery rates of prepubescent boys, ages 8-to-12, with untrained adults and endurance athletes. No matter the test, the boys always outperformed the untrained adults. Moreover, they recovered faster than the endurance athletes.

The researchers discovered the key to the boys' abilities is in the use of their aerobic metabolism, which powers slow, long workouts. "We found the children used more of their aerobic metabolism and were therefore less tired during the high-intensity physical activities," says Ratel.

To encourage and develop a child’s athletic potential, the researchers advise the children “focus on their sports technique, sprint speed or muscle strength.” Optimizing their physical training, kids will better perform and, in turn, enjoy sports more.

While we may never catch up with the endurance levels of our spry young nieces and nephews, at least we know they have the advantage of youth. Then again, trying to keep up with them is a great way to increase our own endurance levels. Plus, keeping them moving is vital as they develop into teenagers and young adults.

Until then, those Savvy Aunties with school-age nieces and nephews can enjoy running after them. After all, time does not stand still, even as we stop to catch our breath.

 
Frontiers. "Children are as fit as endurance athletes." ScienceDaily

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