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Ascending staircases at top speed might serve as an efficient method for senior citizens to fortify their leg muscles. study suggests. It builds on past research showing that a staircase can be an effective source of exercise . Scientists from Belgium divided 46 healthy individuals aged between 65 and 80 into two groups: one group performed exercises using a leg-press machine, while the other engaged in stair-climbing activities. The research indicated that after twelve weeks, with participants doing these routines just a couple of times each week, improvements were observed in muscle strength as well as functional capabilities in both sets of exercises. As we age, we start to lose not only muscle strength but also power. And muscle power — someone’s ability to quickly make use of their strength — is crucial for older adults to catch themselves when they trip, said Evelien Van Roie , an assistant professor at Hasselt University who led the study. If speed is lac...