Age-related changes of grip force control in physically active adults

The age-related changes for controlling grip force in adults who practice regular and supervised physical activity have not been investigated. Fifty-five physically active adults ages 50 years and older and a group of 20 young adults (18-30 years old) performed a task of grasping and lifting an object. The grip force and the object's acceleration were recorded and used to calculate the parameters of grip force control. The levels of daily physical activities were also examined in all age groups. There were no differences in grip force control between the age groups. Conversely, the group over 76 years old used stronger grip force and increased latency (the time from grip force application to the time the object is lifted off the table) to manipulate the object. The results of this study suggest that middle-aged and older adults who exercise regularly can reduce or delay the possible grip force control deficits associated with aging.