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 .
Promoting physical activity for elders with compromised function: the lifestyle Interventions and Independence for elders (LIFE) study physical activity intervention
The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders ( LIFE ) Study is a Phase III r and omized controlled clinical trial ( Clinical trials.gov identifier : NCT01072500 ) that will provide definitive evidence regarding the effect of physical activity ( PA ) on major  mobility disability in older adults ( 70–89 years old ) who have compromised physical function . This paper describes the methods employed in the delivery of the LIFE Study PA intervention , providing insight into how we promoted adherence and monitored the fidelity of treatment . Data are presented on participants ’ motives and self-perceptions at the onset of the trial along with accelerometry data on patterns of PA during exercise training . Prior to the onset of training , 31.4 % of participants noted slight conflict with being able to meet the dem and s of the program and 6.4 % indicated that the degree of conflict would be moderate . Accelerometry data collected during PA training revealed that the average intensity – 1,555 counts/minute for men and 1,237 counts/minute for women – was well below the cutoff point used to classify exercise as being of moderate intensity or higher for adults . Also , a sizable subgroup required one or more rest stops . These data illustrate that it is not feasible to have a single exercise prescription for older adults with compromised function . Moreover , the concept of what constitutes “ moderate ” exercise or an appropriate volume of work is dictated by the physical capacities of each individual and the level of comfort/stability in actually executing a specific prescription
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 .