Age-related changes in finger coordination in static prehension tasks

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomechanics
• Human Factors Engineering

Background:

• Aging is associated with declines in motor function, affecting force and moment production.
• Understanding age-related changes in hand function is crucial for maintaining independence and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate age-related differences in maximal and accurate submaximal force and moment production.
• To analyze age-related changes in the coordination of finger forces and moment components.

Main Methods:

• Young and elderly subjects performed maximal and accurate submaximal force and moment production tasks using a six-dimensional force sensor.
• Analysis included individual digit force contributions, thumb force application strategy, and covariation of forces and moment components.

Main Results:

• Elderly subjects produced less maximal force and moment, with greater deficits in moment production.
• Elderly individuals exhibited poorer accuracy in force and moment production, with increased antagonistic moments.
• Coordination deficits were observed in elderly subjects, indicated by reduced finger force and moment covariation.

Conclusions:

• Age significantly impairs the ability to produce high moments and accurate moment profiles.
• Age-related deficits extend beyond simple force production to encompass impaired coordination of digit forces and moment components.
• Atypical finger force strategies in the elderly may be adaptive responses to increased force variability.