EVALUATION OF UPPER EXTREMITY FUNCTION IN 70-YEAR-OLD MEN AND WOMEN

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 12  (4) , 139-144
Abstract
As a part of the Gerontological and Geriatric Population Study of 70 yr old people in Gothenburg [Sweden], 75 men and 101 women were subjected to tests of upper extremity function. Twenty men and 22 women were healthy without any locomotor disorders. The investigation included tests of muscular coordination, static strength in key-grip, transversal volar grip, elbow flexion and submaximal endurance in handgrip. Results in healthy subjects were compared to results in a reference group of young subjects aged 20-30 yr. Seventy yr old healthy subjects did not differ significantly from young subjects regarding strength in key-grip and endurance in transversal volar grip. The largest decrease in function was seen in healthy 70 yr old subjects in the test of muscular coordination and in strength in the transversal volar grip. In general, healthy 70 yr old women showed a slighter decrease in function than men. Significant correlations were found between strength in key-grip and transversal volar grip and between strength in elbow extension and flexion of 70 yr old subjects. A slight correlation was found between strength in elbow extension and static knee extension at 90.degree. knee angle in 70 yr old healthy subjects.

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