Physical Activity and Motor Memory in Pedal Dexterity

Physical Activity and Motor Memory in Pedal Dexterity

The main purpose of this study was to investigate if a six months period of physical exercise, could improve motor memory consolidation in elderly people on pedal dexterity

34 subjects of both genders, with a mean age of 71 years old participated in the study. Subjects were divided in two groups: a control group and an experimental one. Before the intervention of physical exercise program, subjects performed a Tapping Pedal Test to measure baseline performance. After the intervention, the assessment of the impact of exercise on motor memory consolidation was held in three stages: Training; 1 hour after training and 24 hours after training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• individuals not engaged in physical activity;
• persons aged from 65 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

• sensory abnormalities;
• mental abnormalities;
• motor abnormalities;
• other atypical health problems.