Movement involves a complex communication system that starts in the brain but, according to a study by University of Delaware researcher Christopher Knight, the message could be fainter when it reaches muscle fibers as we age.

Poor muscular control and reduced muscle attention to commands can lead to injuries and falls, as well as deficits in motor coordination. Firing rates of neurons slows and the ability of the muscles to “hear” the neurons’ commands diminishes. But although these changes come with age, there is something we can do.

Weight and resistance training has been shown to increase the firing rates of neurons, enhancing the muscular response.

“After power training with weights, we see an increase in firing rates,” Knight said. “For safety, we’re commonly advised to do things slowly when exercising, but it’s important to also do some fast exercises. You need a fast movement to prevent a fall. Even in the frail elderly, it is possible to use exercise bands for manual resistance to improve the speed of movement.”

When your brain talks, your muscles don’t always listen