Motor function in 90-year olds measured by optoelectronic kinesiology and activities of daily living.

Computer-assisted optoelectronic movement analysis using a Posturo-Locomotor-Manual (PLM) test, and assessment with an ADL (Activities of Daily Living) scale were performed in 36 (18 women and 18 men) 90-year-old subjects as part of a larger study. In the PLM test, the subjects were asked to pick up an object placed on the floor, and carry it to a shelf at the height of their chin and at a distance of 150 cm from the starting position. In the ADL assessment, the subjects were classified as ADL-dependent or independent in each of 4 instrumental (cleaning, shopping, transport and cooking) and 5 personal activities (bathing, dressing, going to the toilet, transfer and feeding). ADL independence was defined as being able to perform ADL activities without assistance from another person. In this study, ADL-dependent subjects performed the PLM test considerably more slowly than the ADL-independent group. A correlation was found in females between poorer ADL performance and slower and less co-ordinated PLM test results. Particularly, the Postural and Locomotor phases representing lower limb mobility correlated to the ADL steps. In males, no such correlation was found, indicating that factors other than mobility were important for ADL performance in this group, e.g., cooking skills. The relationships between the PLM test and the ADL assessment estimating practical motor function could be an indication that the PLM test is not only a strict laboratory method, but also measures components of everyday motor activities. Combined use of optoelectronic measurements and ADL scales will improve measurements of motor performance in elderly persons.