age related changes in UE control

Question 1

Increased reaching movement time are due to changes in…?

Answer 1

Sensory and perceptual changes
Central processing systems
Motor systems
Arousal and motivational systems

Question 2

What are changes in reaching coordination as we age?

Answer 2

Slowing in target approach and deceleration phase: move movement adjustments, perhaps due to less online and feedforward processing, relay more on feedback
Decreasing hand steadiness

Question 3

What are grasping changes with age?

Answer 3

Decreased manual dexterity: longer times needed to manipulate small objects, larger grip forces with less ability to adapt to changes in surface and greater variability between trials, this may be due to decreased tactile sensation motor deficits and/or programming deficits

Question 4

What are reach grasp adaptation changes with age?

Answer 4

When presented with unpredictable conditions for reach and grasp, older adults pick the most conservative approach.
Longer approach time
Use of standard coordination pattern

Question 5

What are compensation and reversibility of decrements in reaching performance?

Answer 5

Compensatory strategies may preserve reaching performance in workplace: these changes are unconscious or automatic
Performance can be improved with practice, particularly for complex tasks
Strategies for teaching eye hand coordination skills