CHANGES IN THROWING BY OLDER ADULTS - A LONGITUDINAL INVESTIGATION

This investigation examined change in a motor pattern requiring multis egmented coordination in older adults. The overarm throw was observed longitudinally in 8 elderly individuals over 7 years. Data were evalua ted using Roberton's; (Roberton & Halverson, 1984) movement components . Contrasting the assumed pattern of aging; only small declines in mov ement from were observed. Individual cases revealed additional, noncat egorizable declines within component categories, including slower move ment speed and decreased range of motion. Increased trial-to-trial var iability: also was associated with changes. These changes suggested th at elderly participants coordinated their movements in a manner simila r to younger participants but controlled them differently. The small c hanges observed in this investigation suggest that performance at leas t for some skills, is more stable than traditionally assumed.