Fine and Gross Motor Function and Relationship With Muscle Tone in Older Adults With and Without Dementia

Fine and Gross Motor Function and Relationship With Muscle Tone in Older Adults With and Without Dementia

The purpose of this study was (1) to investigate changes in gait, balance, fine motor function, and muscle tone, and (2) to find out if there is a correlation between muscle tone/presence of paratonia and motor function (gross and fine) in mild and moderate dementia.Three groups of participants were included in the study: healthy elderly (n=60), participants with mild dementia (n=31) and participants with moderate dementia (n=31). Measurements of fine motor function, balance, gait, presence of paratonia and muscle tone measurements were performed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age >= 65 years
• walk independently for at least 11 meters
• HC: no cognitive deterioration, MiD: dementia, Global Deterioration Scale<5, MoD: dementia, Global Deterioration Scale 5 or 6

Exclusion Criteria:

• recent (≤ 6 months) orthopedic surgery