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Finger tapping ability in healthy elderly and young adults
Tomoko Aoki1, Yoshiyuki Fukuoka
1Motor Control Lab, Division of Food and Health Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Symbiotic Sciences, Prefectural University of Kumamoto, Kumamoto City, Japan. aoki@pu-kumamoto.ac.jp
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|December 3, 2009
Summary
Elderly adults exhibit slower finger tapping speeds compared to younger adults. This decline in dynamic motor function is not strongly linked to reduced finger strength or tactile sensitivity.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Motor Control
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Aging is associated with a decline in maximum isometric force production in the fingers.
- Limited research exists on age-related changes in dynamic motor capacity of individual fingers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the dynamic motor function of individual fingers between elderly and young adults.
- To investigate age-related changes in rapid single-finger and double-finger tapping capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Participants performed maximal frequency single-finger and double-finger tapping tasks.
- Measurements included maximum pinch force, tactile sensitivity, and pegboard test completion time.
Main Results:
- Elderly adults demonstrated significantly slower tapping rates across all fingers and finger pairs compared to young adults.
- Age-related declines were noted in tactile sensitivity and pegboard test performance.
- No significant differences in pinch force were observed between the age groups.
Conclusions:
- Maximum finger tapping rate is reduced in elderly adults.
- The decline in finger tapping ability in older adults appears less influenced by maximal force production or tactile sensitivity.
