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Effects of aging on planning and implementing arm movements
K Y Haaland1, D L Harrington, J W Grice
1Psychology Service (116B), Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108.
Psychology and Aging
|December 1, 1993
Summary
Elderly adults rely more on visual feedback for accurate aiming movements, especially for longer distances. Their motor control and force adjustments are less efficient compared to younger adults.
Area of Science:
- Motor control
- Human aging
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Visual feedback is crucial for motor control.
- Aging affects motor performance and visuomotor adaptation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related differences in aiming movements with and without visual feedback.
- To analyze the impact of movement amplitude and target size on motor programming in young and elderly adults.
Main Methods:
- Experiments involving aiming movements in young and elderly adults.
- Analysis of acceleration, deceleration, and secondary movement components.
- Manipulation of visual feedback availability and movement parameters.
Main Results:
- Both age groups showed decreased accuracy without visual feedback, but the elderly were more affected.
- Accuracy reduction with increased movement amplitude was specific to the elderly.
- Elderly adults exhibited reduced velocity scaling with amplitude and target size, indicating impaired force preprogramming and implementation.
Conclusions:
- Elderly individuals demonstrate a greater reliance on visual feedback for modifying motor programs, particularly for longer movements.
- Impaired preprogramming and execution of forces contribute to reduced motor performance in the elderly.
- Visual feedback is essential for the elderly to accurately adjust ongoing movements.