TY - JOUR
T1 - Rey-Osterrieth complex figure recall scores and motor skill learning in older adults
T2 - A non-linear mixed effect model-based analysis
AU - Wang, Peiyuan
AU - Lingo VanGilder, Jennapher
AU - Schweighofer, Nicolas
AU - Schaefer, Sydney Y.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2022
PY - 2022/12
Y1 - 2022/12
N2 - Age-related declines in motor learning are well documented. Visuospatial memory has been proposed as a key factor explaining age-related declines in sensorimotor adaptation, but most studies have not used standardized visuospatial memory tests nor controlled for age-related visuospatial memory declines. The present study explores the relationship between visuospatial memory and motor learning in older adults while also controlling for age and utilizing a standardized visuospatial memory test. Forty-nine nondemented older adults repetitively practiced a functional upper-extremity motor task and were re-assessed one week later. Training data were modeled with mixed-effect exponential decay functions, with parameters representing amount of performance change, rate of improvement, and final performance. Age and visuospatial memory were included as possible covariates for the parameter measuring rate of improvement (τ). After controlling for age, higher visuospatial memory scores were associated with faster rates of skill acquisition and better short-term retention one week later. These associations with visuospatial memory were dependent, however, on the level of initial skill. These findings suggest that the extent of re-learning motor skills in geriatric physical rehabilitation may depend on intact visuospatial memory.
AB - Age-related declines in motor learning are well documented. Visuospatial memory has been proposed as a key factor explaining age-related declines in sensorimotor adaptation, but most studies have not used standardized visuospatial memory tests nor controlled for age-related visuospatial memory declines. The present study explores the relationship between visuospatial memory and motor learning in older adults while also controlling for age and utilizing a standardized visuospatial memory test. Forty-nine nondemented older adults repetitively practiced a functional upper-extremity motor task and were re-assessed one week later. Training data were modeled with mixed-effect exponential decay functions, with parameters representing amount of performance change, rate of improvement, and final performance. Age and visuospatial memory were included as possible covariates for the parameter measuring rate of improvement (τ). After controlling for age, higher visuospatial memory scores were associated with faster rates of skill acquisition and better short-term retention one week later. These associations with visuospatial memory were dependent, however, on the level of initial skill. These findings suggest that the extent of re-learning motor skills in geriatric physical rehabilitation may depend on intact visuospatial memory.
KW - Aging
KW - Motor learning
KW - Motor skill
KW - Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test
KW - Visuospatial
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85139039011&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85139039011&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.humov.2022.103004
DO - 10.1016/j.humov.2022.103004
M3 - Article
C2 - 36191575
AN - SCOPUS:85139039011
SN - 0167-9457
VL - 86
JO - Human Movement Science
JF - Human Movement Science
M1 - 103004
ER -