Age-related changes in psychomotor coordination parameters in the range of 26–90 years

Abstract

The aim of the work was to assess the age dynamics of the efficiency of motor task performance in the age range from 26 to 90 years, from the ontogenetic stage of completed development towards the gradual extinction of functions.

Methods. The study included the results of 1001 people (666 women and 335 men). Indicators of psychomotor coordination were studied on the device of a computer movement meter (CMM), when performing a motor task, the same for all subjects – the movement of the arm in the elbow joint in the horizontal plane. The speed and accuracy indicators of movements, smoothness of movements, the rate of change in the motor stereotype with a change in the amplitude of movements, sensorimotor reactivity to stimuli of different modality, and motor asymmetry were assessed.

Results. A discriminant analysis of the totality of the indicators used at 5-time intervals (26–35, 36–45, 46–55, 56–70 and 71–90 years) showed a significant deterioration in psychomotor coordination after 45 years. This conclusion was confirmed by the analysis of the age dynamics of individual indicators. It was revealed that there are general patterns of age-related dynamics of psychomotor activity in women and men: a decrease in speed indicators, including reactivity to a light stimulus, a decrease in the rate of reorganization of the movement pattern when changing tasks (dexterity), deterioration in the accuracy of the flexors with a decrease in the degree of their motor asymmetry (transition from rightness to double-handedness). And there are additional features in men: an earlier decrease in reactivity to a sound stimulus (10 years earlier than in women), a deterioration in the accuracy of not only flexors, but also extensors.

Conclusion. The revealed age-related dynamics of psychomotor coordination indicators reflects a decrease in the functional capabilities of the human muscular and nervous systems after 45 years. This circumstance must be considered when developing socio-economic projects so that plans to involve people in socially useful activities do not exceed the capabilities of their body.