Motor performance in relation to age, anthropometric characteristics, and serum lipids in women

Background. The relationships between motor performance and age, anthropometric characteristics, and serum lipids were studied in a population-based sample of women (N = 865). Methods. Motor performance was measured by a precise laboratory test, the Postural-Locomotion-Manual test, using an optoelectronic technique. Anthropometric measurements included body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio. Blood samples were drawn for the measurement of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations. Results. Motor performance deteriorated with age in a curvilinear way. High BMI, high waist-to-hip ratio, high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol were all correlated to poor motor performance after adjustment for age, vascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, physical exercise, and some chronic diseases. Stepwise regression analyses showed that age, waist-to-hip ratio, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, physical exercise, and vascular diseases were independent predictors of motor performance. Conclusions. High age, high waist-to-hip ratio, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol were associated with poor motor performance in women. Monitoring abdominal adiposity and serum lipids in clinical work might help us to identify people with early motor impairment and to prevent more severe mobility disability.