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A Population‐Based Study on Motor Performance and White Matter Lesions in Older Women
Author(s) -
Guo Xinxin,
Skoog Ingmar,
Matousek Michael,
Larsson Lena,
Palsson Sigurdur,
Sundh Walter,
Steen Bertil
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2000.tb06896.x
Subject(s) - medicine , hyperintensity , diabetes mellitus , white matter , population , stroke (engine) , cardiology , physical therapy , chronic bronchitis , physical medicine and rehabilitation , magnetic resonance imaging , radiology , endocrinology , mechanical engineering , environmental health , engineering
OBJECTIVE : To investigate the relationship between motor performance and white matter lesions (WMLs) on computed tomography (CT) of the brain in older women. DESIGN : Cross‐sectional study. SETTING : Population‐based study in Göteborg, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS : A total of 248 women aged 70, 74, and 78 years. MEASUREMENTS : Motor performance was measured by a Postural‐Locomotion‐Manual (PLM) test using an optoelectronic technique. WMLs on CT scans were rated as no, mild, moderate, or severe. RESULTS : White matter lesions were associated with impaired mobility of the lower extremities, that is, prolonged locomotion phase in the PLM test. This association was also present after controlling for age, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, chronic bronchitis, intermittent claudication, and smoking. CONCLUSIONS : Cerebral white matter lesions may contribute to motor impairments in older adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 48:967–970, 2000 .