MOTOR FUNCTION IN 90-YEAR-OLDS MEASURED BY OPTOELECTRONIC KINESIOLOGYAND ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING

Computer-assisted optoelectronic movement analysis using a Posturo-Loc omotor-Manual (PLM) test, and assessment with an ADL (Activities of Da ily Living) scale were performed in 36 (18 women and 18 men) 90-year-o ld subjects as part of a larger study. In the PLM test, the subjects w ere asked to pick up an object placed on the floor, and carry it to a shelf at the height of their chin and at a distance of 150 cm from the starting position. In the ADL assessment, the subjects were classifie d as ADL-dependent or independent in each of 4 instrumental (cleaning, shopping, transport and cooking) and 5 personal activities (bathing, dressing, going to the toilet, transfer and feeding). ADL independence was defined as being able to perform ADL activities without assistanc e from another person. In this study, ADL-dependent subjects performed the PLM test considerably more slowly than the ADL-independent group. A correlation was found in females between poorer ADL performance and slower and less co-ordinated PLM test results. Particularly, the Post ural and Locomotor phases representing lower limb mobility correlated to the ADL steps. In males, no such correlation was found, indicating that factors other than mobility were important for ADL performance in this group, e.g., cooking skills. The relationships between the PLM t est and the ADL assessment estimating practical motor function could b e an indication that the PLM test is not only a strict laboratory meth od, but also measures components of everyday motor activities. Combine d use of optoelectronic measurements and ADL scales will improve measu rements of motor performance in elderly persons.