Results concerning the association of chronic physical activity and motor performance are mixed and seem to be influenced by the study design , kind of exercise , motor task , and exercise intensity .
Regarding motor learning , a high physical activity or cardiovascular fitness level seems to boost the initial phase of motor learning ; results differ with respect to motor retention .
Overall , ( motor-coordinative ) intervention studies seem to be more promising than cross-sectional studies
Upper extremity motor performance declines with increasing age .
However , older adults need to maintain , learn new and relearn known motor tasks .
Research with young adults indicated that regular and acute physical activity might facilitate motor performance and motor learning processes .
Therefore , this review aim ed to examine the association between chronic physical activity and acute bouts of exercise on motor performance and motor learning in upper extremity motor tasks in older adults .
The Otago Exercise Program performed as group training versus home training in fall-prone older people: a randomized controlled Trial.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Exercise programs targeting muscle strength and balance can reduce falls . The study aim ed to compare the Otago Exercise Program ( OEP ) , originally design ed as supervised home training ( HT ) , with the same programme performed as GT , on functional balance and muscle strength , mobility , fall efficacy and self-reported health . METHODS A single-blind r and omized controlled trial with assessment s at baseline ( T1 ) , following the 12-week intervention ( T2 ) , and 3 months following intervention ( T3 ) , was performed . 125 people , mean age 82.5 ( SD = 5.7 ) years , 73 % women , referred to a Falls Outpatient Clinic , participated . 74 % had fallen , and 37 % had a fall-related hospital stay during the previous year .  OEP supervised by physiotherapists was performed as GT twice weekly or as HT three times a week , for 12 weeks . Total exercise time was comparable between groups . The primary outcome was the Berg Balance Scale assessed at T2 . RESULTS From T1-T2 , Berg Balance Scale improved significantly more in the GT group than in the HT group ( mean group difference in change of 3.2 points , 95%CI = 0.7 - 5.8 , p = 0.014 ) . Of the secondary outcomes , the 30-second sit-to-st and test ( p = 0.004 ) , and physical health measured by the Short Form-36 ( p = 0.004 ) , improved significantly more for the GT group . Change in mobility measured by the Timed Up and Go test , mental health by the Short Form-36 , and fall efficacy by the Fall Efficacy Scale International did not differ between groups . The 30-second sit-to-st and test and the Timed Up and Go , but not the Berg Balance Scale , was still better in the GT group at T3 . DISCUSSION In fall-prone home-dwelling older people , the OEP performed as GT is more effective for improving functional balance , muscle strength and physical health , but not fall efficacy and mental health than when performed as HT . The OEP provided as GT should be considered in this population
Results concerning the association of chronic physical activity and motor performance are mixed and seem to be influenced by the study design , kind of exercise , motor task , and exercise intensity .
Regarding motor learning , a high physical activity or cardiovascular fitness level seems to boost the initial phase of motor learning ; results differ with respect to motor retention .
Overall , ( motor-coordinative ) intervention studies seem to be more promising than cross-sectional studies
Upper extremity motor performance declines with increasing age .
However , older adults need to maintain , learn new and relearn known motor tasks .
Research with young adults indicated that regular and acute physical activity might facilitate motor performance and motor learning processes .
Therefore , this review aim ed to examine the association between chronic physical activity and acute bouts of exercise on motor performance and motor learning in upper extremity motor tasks in older adults .