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 .
Effects of a one-year physical activity intervention for older adults at congregate nutrition sites.
The effects of a physical activity intervention on strength , balance , motor coordination , and mobility were tested in a quasi-experiment at rural congregate nutrition sites . Twice-weekly sessions of low intensity movements were conducted for one year . Logistic regression results showed significant differences between intervention ( n = 61 ) and comparison ( n = 49 ) groups on several performance-based measures . Intervention subjects perceived significantly greater improvements in physical functioning over the previous year than did comparison subjects . A qualitative evaluation revealed perceived program benefits of pain reduction , increased flexibility , muscle strengthening , increased walking speed , and improved mental outlook
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 .