Change in motor function and adverse health outcomes in older African-Americans

Objective We tested whether declining motor function accelerates with age in older African-Americans.

Results During follow-up of 5years, linear mixed-effect models showed that motor function declined by about 0.03units/year (Estimate, −0.026, p<0.001); about 4% more rapidly for each additional year of age at baseline. A proportional hazard model showed that both baseline motor function level and its rate of change were independent predictors of death and incident disability (all p's<0.001). These models showed that the additional annual amount of motor decline in 85year old persons at baseline versus 65year old persons was associated with a 1.5-fold higher rate of death and a 3-fold higher rate of developing Katz disability.

Conclusions The rate of declining motor function accelerates with increasing age and its rate of decline predicts adverse health outcomes in older African-Americans.