Dexterous manipulation is poorer at older ages and is dissociated from decline of hand strength.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The ability to dynamically control fingertip force vector magnitude and direction is critical for dexterous manipulation. We quantified the dynamic control of fingertip forces to examine how dexterous manipulation declines with age.

Methods

The strength-dexterity (SD) test measures fingertip forces during compression of a slender spring prone to instability and buckling. The greatest sustained compression (designed to be under 3 N), and force dynamics therein, have been shown to be simple and quick measures of dynamic dexterous manipulation ability. We measured pinch strength and strength-dexterity test in a cross-sectional population of 98 people from 18 to 89 years of age.

Results

Dexterous manipulation ability is poorer at older ages, beginning in middle

SUBMITTER: Dayanidhi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4202259 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature