Assessment of motor function of the hand in aged rhesus monkeys

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Mark Moss, Emory University; Tara L. Moore, Boston University; Ronald J. Killiany, Boston University; Monica A. Pessina, Boston University; Douglas L. Rosene, Boston University
• Language: English
• Date: 2010-09-01
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis: STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles
• Publication Version: Author Accepted Manuscript (After Peer Review)
• Copyright Statement: © 2010 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/08990220.2010.485963
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Somatosensory and Motor Research
• ISSN: 0899-0220
• Volume: 27
• Issue: 3
• Start Page: 121
• End Page: 130
• Grant/Funding Information: This research was supported by NIH-NIA grant P01- AG000001 and NIA grant R21AG028680–01A1.
• Keywords: Cross-Sectional Studies; Analysis of Variance; Movement; Space Perception; Macaca mulatta; Aging; Psychomotor Performance; Age Factors; Animals; Hand
• Research Categories: Biology, Neuroscience; Biology, Animal Physiology

Abstract

In the elderly, intact motor functions of the upper extremity are critical for the completion of activities of daily living. Many studies have provided insight into age-related changes in motor function. However, the precise nature and extent of motor impairments of the upper extremity remains unclear. In the current study we have modified two tasks to assess hand/digit function in both young and aged rhesus monkeys. We tested monkeys from 9 to 26 years of age on these tasks to determine the level of fine motor performance across the adult age range. Compared to young monkeys (9-12 years of age), aged monkeys (15-26 years of age) were mildly impaired on fine motor control of the digits. These findings are consistent with previous studies that have found age-related impairment in fine motor function. However, the magnitude and extent of impairment in the current study does differ from previous findings and is likely due to methodological differences in the degree of task complexity.