Increased age leads to decreased dexterity: is it really that simple?

摘要: It is commonly believed that with increased age, movement dexterity becomes slower and increasingly clumsy when performing simple every day tasks. In the General Introduction of this PhD thesis (Chapter 1), literature supports evidence for relationship was reviewed. addition, has attempted to understand co-variance factors may influence age were also presented. From this, general hypothesis raised other such as sense touch, attention ability or strength might correlate so possibly could explain reduced variable. Five empirical chapters present experiments conducted address hypothesis, data from these are discussed in Discussion 7). The consisted three main areas experimentation. That is, Chapter 2 ran preliminary screening data, Chapters 3 4 tested effects selective on - 5 6 relationship. more detail, used standard clinical measurements assess fine gross dexterity, strength. showed all declined but seemed particular relevant upper limb dexterity. 3, impact assessed using a modified motion tracked task. This demonstrated not generalised across movements, instead specific phases action contained component. followed up by showing impaired inhibition age. sought clarify had findings while related, explained thedata’s variance steadiness tracking whereas data’s aiming tapping 6, directly manipulating hand grip measuring resultant supported confirmed clear Together, presented suggest contribute support idea better management confounding allow understanding furthermore, help older adults enjoy