The Difference in Functions of the Upper Extremity Between Elderly and Young Adult

Abstract

To compare functions of the upper extremity between the elderly and young adults, 72 participants were recruited into the study. All participants were divided into 4 groups: aged 25 to 35 years, 60 to 69 years, 70 to 79 years, and 80 years and older. Participants were tested on the ability to perform activities with their upper limb by using the upper extremity performance test for the elderly (TEMPA [Test D'évaluation Des Membres Supérieurs Des Personnes Âgées]). A Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc Bonferroni test was also used in this study to compare the results between groups. The results show that the ability to perform activities with the upper limb in young adults is significantly different from that of the elderly. Also, the study illustrates that there is a notable difference in unilateral hand function and bilateral hand function. The difference in upper extremity function has statistical significance between the elderly and young adults.