Abstract
This cross-sectional study examined the effects of age on the dynamic coordination and control of grip force with external force applied with a simulated hand tool. Grip force coordination capabilities were hypothesized to decline with age in light of previous studies examining simple lift and static hold maneuvers with a precision grip. Subjects performed a force-matching task in which dynamic forces were applied with the simulated tool. Subjects were given visual feedback regarding the applied force magnitude but not the grip force magnitude. Grip force control efficiency was measured by the ratio of grip to applied force and the degree of parallel modulation in grip force with respect to applied force. The measures of grip force control efficiency revealed no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between the younger (<64 years) and older (65+ years) subject groups. Older adults, when prudently screened for visual and motor impairments, performed equivalently to younger adults in terms of grip force coordination efficiency.
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