Buchman et al (2007) Physical Activity and motor decline in older persons
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Declining motor function is a familiar consequence of ageing and is associated with a variety
of adverse health outcome including mortality, disability and institutionalisation.
Physical activity is a modifiable risk factor (i.e. muscle strength, endurance, power and
flexibility) as well as CV and other chronic diseases
Participants were recruited from ~40 retirement facilities, subsidised housing facilities,
church groups and social services around Chicago
Were asked to donate brain, spinal cord, muscles and nerves to the investigators, and
undergo an examination one year after beginning of the study
Physical activity was assessed using questions adapted from 1985 National Health Interview
Survey
A composite measure of global motor function, based on subcomponents of motor
performance and muscle strength
Disability is associated with decreased motor function and might contribute to decreased
physical activity
In a cohort of >850 older persons without dementia, a higher level of physical activity was
associated with a slower rate of motor decline
The association of physical activity with motor function persisted even after controlling for
several other potentially confounding variables such as disability status, vascular risk factors
and vascular disease & body composition.