Spatial-temporal analysis of mobility over the adult age range using the Postural-Locomotor-Manual Test.
BACKGROUND
Mobility measurements were performed on healthy adult subjects to investigate changes over the adult age range and to obtain reference values.


METHODS
Ninety-five males (19-90 years, mean 58.2) and 122 females (19-90 years, mean 51.8) were measured using the commercially available Postural-Locomotor-Manual Test (PLM-test). Subjects are required to perform a standard maneuver that is recorded using an optoelectronic technique.


RESULTS
Older subjects carried out all phases of the maneuver more slowly than younger subjects. At about the age of 50 years, females showed a more rapid slowing down. Males showed a more gradual decrease over the adult age range.


CONCLUSIONS
The PLM-test provides a fairly simple noninvasive method of assessing motor performance. However, it is important to separate male and female data in the determination of reference values.
Samson
M M
MM
Department of Geriatrics, Utrecht University Hospital, The Netherlands.
Crowe
A
A
Duursma
S A
SA
Dessens
J A
JA
Verhaar
H J
HJ
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013997:Time Factors