Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Mobility Over the Adult Age Range Using the Postural-Locomotor-Manual Test

BACKGROUND: Mobility measurements were performed on healthy adult subjects to investigate changes over the adult age range and to obtain reference values. METHODS: Ninety-five males (19-90 years, mean 58.2) and 122 females (19-90 years, mean 51.8) were measured using the commercially available Postural-Locomotor-Manual Test (PLM-test). Subjects are required to perform a standard maneuver that is recorded using an optoelectronic technique. RESULTS: Older subjects carried out all phases of the maneuver more slowly than younger subjects. At about the age of 50 years, females showed a more rapid slowing down. Males showed a more gradual decrease over the adult age range. CONCLUSION: The PLM-test provides a fairly simple noninvasive method of assessing motor performance. However, it is important to separate male and female data in the determination of reference values.