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Motor functioning differentially predicts mortality in men and women
Marie Ernsth Bravell1, Deborah Finkel2, Anna Dahl Aslan3
1Institute of Gerontology, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Sweden.
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|May 14, 2017
Summary
Motor function, particularly balance and fine motor skills, significantly impacts longevity in women but not men. These findings highlight the importance of gender-specific approaches in rehabilitation and healthcare for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Motor Control
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Gender disparities exist in functional performance among older adults.
- The impact of these differences on longevity remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify motor function factors from performance measures.
- To investigate associations between these factors and mortality, considering gender interactions.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA) data over 19 years.
- Factor analysis to derive fine motor, balance/upper strength, and flexibility factors.
- Latent growth curve modeling and Cox regression analyses with gender interaction.
Main Results:
- Women exhibited lower performance across all motor functions compared to men.
- Balance/upper strength and fine motor function were linked to mortality in women only.
- No motor function factors were associated with mortality in men.
Conclusions:
- Motor functioning, specifically balance and fine motor skills, is a significant predictor of mortality in women.
- Gender differences in motor function are crucial for understanding longevity.
- Individualized treatment and rehabilitation plans should consider motor function and gender.
