Relationship between motor coordination and executive function in adults and older adults

Abstract

ABSTRACT Brazilian older adults present a relatively low schooling level when compared with other populations. In clinical practice, defining if more subtle alterations observed in executive function (EF) and motor coordination tests in older adults are due to an initial neurological condition or low schooling level is difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the possible differences in motor coordination and EF between adults and older adults with high and low schooling level as well as the possible correlations between motor coordination and EF in this sample. A total of 75 healthy individuals (aged from 30 to 89 years) were evaluated. EF was assessed by the trail making test (TMT) whereas motor coordination was assessed by the upper limb diadochokinetic test, which is the rapid alternation between supination and pronation of the forearms (right, left, both performing in-phase movements, and both performing anti-phase movements). Analysis of variance showed that age and schooling level possibly influenced EF and motor coordination. Possible relationships between EF and diadochokinesis were calculated by Pearson’s correlation. Older adults with low schooling level were significantly slower on the TMT part B (cognitive and motor) and delta TMT (cognitive). All groups were slower performing the anti-phase movement, especially those with low schooling level. Results showed only weak correlations between EF and motor coordination. Age and schooling level influenced executive function and motor coordination. However, the EF and motor coordination tests presented no correlation when these two factors were statistically corrected.