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Age-related changes in upper limb coordination in a complex reaching task

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Abstract

When reaching to targets within arm’s reach, intentional trunk motion must be neutralized by compensatory motion of the upper limb (UL). Advanced age has been associated with deterioration in the coordination of multi-joint UL movements. In the current study, we looked to determine if older adults also have difficulties modifying their UL movements (i.e., coordination between the shoulder and elbow joints), during a complex reaching task when trunk motion is manipulated. Two groups of healthy participants were recruited: 18 young (mean age = 24.28 ± 2.89 years old) and 18 older (mean age = 72.11 ± 2.39 years old) adults. Participants reached to a target with their eyes closed, while simultaneously moving the trunk forward. In 40% of trials, the trunk motion was unexpectedly blocked. Participants performed the task with both their dominant and non-dominant arms, and at a preferred and fast speed. All participants were able to coordinate motion at the elbow and shoulder joints in a similar manner and modify this coordination in accordance with motion at the trunk, regardless of the hand used or speed of movement. Specifically, in reaches that involved forward trunk motion (free-trunk trials), all participants demonstrated increased elbow flexion (i.e., less elbow extension) compared to blocked-trunk trials. In contrast, when trunk motion was blocked (blocked-trunk trials), all reaching movements were accompanied by increased shoulder horizontal adduction. While coordination of UL joints was similar across older and young adults, the extent of changes at the elbow and shoulder was smaller and less consistent in older adults compared to young participants, especially when trunk motion was involved. These results suggest that older adults can coordinate their UL movements based on task requirements, but that their performance is not as consistent as young adults.

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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author on request.

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Acknowledgements

(MFL and HS) Heart and Stroke Foundation Center for Stroke Recovery (HSFCSR PT-59562) Catalyst Grant. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms of disordered upper limb function in stroke: the relationship between deficits in trunk control and upper limb coordination. April 1, 2013–March 31, 2015. Special thanks to S.K. Subramanian for his help with the experimental set-up and to all the participants in the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, 125 University, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5, Canada

    Sajida Khanafer & Erin K. Cressman

  2. School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada

    Heidi Sveistrup

  3. School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada

    Mindy F. Levin

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  1. Sajida Khanafer
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  2. Heidi Sveistrup
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  3. Mindy F. Levin
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  4. Erin K. Cressman
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Correspondence to Erin K. Cressman.

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Communicated by Melvyn A. Goodale.

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Khanafer, S., Sveistrup, H., Levin, M.F. et al. Age-related changes in upper limb coordination in a complex reaching task. Exp Brain Res 239, 2285–2294 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-021-06143-3

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