Does Physical Activity Prevent Age-Related Motor Decline?

Researchers investigated the association between physical-activity level and motor decline over time in a large population of elderly subjects.

At baseline, 876 individuals (mean age, 80.5; 98% white; 74% female) reported their weekly physical-activity level from the previous 2 weeks. Baseline and annual assessments were performed for a mean of 4 years. The researchers measured participants’ muscle strength in seven upper- and lower-extremity muscle groups, as well as grip and pinch strength, to yield a composite muscle strength score. They also calculated a composite score for motor performance, based on nine tests, which included walking speed and step length, ability to stand on one leg or on the toes, tandem gait, Purdue pegboard test, a…