Evaluation of upper extremity function in 70-year-old men and women

As a part of the Gerontological and Geriatric Population Study of 70-year-old people in Gothenburg 75 men and 101 women were subjected to tests of upper extremity function. Twenty men and 22 women were healthy without any locomotor disorders. The investigation included tests of muscular co-ordination, static strength in key-grip, transversal volar grip, elbow flexion and submaximal endurance in handgrip. Results in healthy subjects were compared with results in a reference group of young subjects aged 20-30 years. Seventy-year-old healthy subjects did not differ significantly from young subjects regarding strength in key-grip and endurance in transversal volar grip. The largest decrease in function was seen in healthy 70-year-old subjects in the test of muscular co-ordination and in strength in the transversal volar grip. In general healthy 70-year-old women showed a slighter decrease in function than men. Significant correlations were found between strength in key-grip and transversal volar grip and between strength in elbow extension and flexion of 70-year-old subjects. A slight correlation was found between strength in elbow extension and static knee extension at 90 degrees knee angle in 70-year-old healthy subjects.