Manual dexterity in young and healthy older adults. 1. Age- and gender-related differences in unimanual and bimanual performance

This study aimed to better characterize age-related differences in dexterity by using an integrative approach where movement times and kinematics were measured for both hands. Forty-five young (age 19-31) and 55 healthy older adults (age 60-88) were evaluated during unimanual and bimanual performance of the Purdue Pegboard Test. Gender effects were also assessed. From video-recorded data, movement times and kinematics were obtained for reaching, grasping, transport, and inserting. Results showed that older adults had longer movement times for grasping and inserting with the right hand, and across all movements with the left hand. Kinematic differences were found in path length, linear, and angular velocity. The patterns of slowing were similar in unimanual and bimanual tasks. Gender effects showed more slowing in older males than older females. Age differences in dexterity not only comprise slowing of movements but also kinematic alterations. The importance of gender in hand function was demonstrated.