Age-related mobility loss is joint-specific: an analysis from 6,000 Flexitest results

Abstract

Although aging is commonly linked to a reduction in joint range of motion, it is unclear if all body joints behave similarly. To address this issue, the main purpose of this study was to compare age-related loss of mobility of seven body joints. A total of 6,000 participants (3,835 men and 2,165 women) aged 5 to 92 years took part in this study. The maximal passive range of motion of 20 movements was evaluated by Flexitest, and each movement was scored from 0 to 4. Composite scores were obtained for each of seven joints and for overall flexibility (Flexindex (FLX)) by adding individual movement scores. Confirming previous findings, FLX systematically decreased with aging (p<.001), with female participants being more flexible for all ages (p<0.001) and having a more gradual, 0.6 % vs. 0.8 %/year, age reduction (p<.001). Starting at 30 and 40 years, respectively, for male and female participants, the relative contribution of each composite joint score to FLX dramatically changed. Shoulder contribution to FLX male's score went from 13.9 % at 28 years of age to only 5.2 % at 85 years of age. In general, proportionally, shoulder and trunk became less flexible, while elbow and knee mobility was preserved to a greater extent. Our findings indicated that age-related loss of mobility is rather joint-specific, which could be related to distinct routine usage patterns of the major body joints along life.

The association between muscle strength and activity limitations in patients with the hypermobility type of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome: the impact of proprioception

“…The only influence on tissue stiffness is aging. Joint mobility decreases over time as a result of aging [40] and could also reduce the influence of connective tissue laxity on muscle strength.…”

Capacidade funcional e sua associação com idade e sexo em uma população idosa

“…Physical tests are important markers of functional capacity 5 . These tests, commonly used in studies with elderly, assess: muscular strength 9,13,14 , flexibility 9,[14][15][16][17] , and balance 9,[13][14][15]18 , given their importance in the performance of daily activities. However, there are few studies in Northeastern Brazil evaluating the functional capacity in the elderly through physical testing 12,19 , which impairs knowing the situation of this population in this aspect and make the comparison on data difficult, either with elderly from different states or with international studies, considering the physical and socioeconomic differences among elderly people from different locations.…”

The ability of UK offshore workers of different body size and shape to egress through a restricted window space

“…A loss of compliance of the chest wall results in decreased lung volumes with age (Mittman et al, 1965), and structural changes include increased anterio-posterior depth. Flexibility has been shown to decrease with age, but the effect is joint-specific (Medeiros et al, 2013). In their study, a deterioration of the shoulder and trunk flexibility commencing in the 4 th or 5 th decade, was more marked than at other joints, a finding the authors attribute to the lack of use of regular full range of movement of these joints in the tasks of daily living.…”