Eighty percent of individuals around the world report a 'movement age' greater than their biological age, according to insights from a pilot, conducted by Cigna Healthcare's International Health division. For young people, the gap can be as great as 22 years.
The findings were gathered from nearly 1,000 participants around the world who have taken a movement assessment, Flex-ray, over the last four months in support of the global company’s focus on improving musculoskeletal (MSK) health by addressing the challenge of poor movement health, a leading cause of disability and death.
“Cigna Healthcare is putting MSK well-being at the center of our global clinical strategy,” Cigna Healthcare president of international health Jason Sadler said. “There is a growing public understanding of the importance of MSK health, but people are looking for advice and support to improve it. Flex-ray helps people identify and combat the detrimental effects of sedentary lifestyles. We want 2025 to be the year of MSK health, so everyone can move well, feel well, and age well.”
MSK is a significant public health and productivity concern, with studies showing about 27% of long-term workplace health cases in the UK are MSK-related, leading to as many as 39,200 working days lost. Two of the key indicators of MSK health are balance and stability, both of which are closely linked to movement age.
Further data from the Flex-ray assessments reveals a concerning trend in younger individuals, for whom balance was the weakest area – people aged under 30 recorded the lowest balance scores compared to other age cohorts. Numerous factors may be driving this, but the solution is to encourage early intervention and focus on functional movement.
“Research shows better movement health can increase engagement and productivity and can improve work performance while reducing the risk of ill health,” Cigna Healthcare chief medical officer of international health Dr Stella George said. “After the age of 25, our MSK health deteriorates with wear and tear, which can result in a movement age out of sync with our biological age. Many MSK conditions, such as back pain, neck pain, or headaches, can be caused by ill-fitting workplace setups, whether in the office or at home, so education and awareness are crucial in managing these disorders effectively.”
By assessing their movement age, younger individuals can gain critical insights into potential MSK issues, enabling a preventative approach that not only protects against long-term damage but also maximizes their physical potential for years to come.