Introduction: The elderly due to aging and decreased functional abilities and on the other hand, because they are the most vulnerable segment of society, requires special attention and support. One of injuries this period reduced is sensory- motor integration that consequently the elderly in bi-manual coordination and fine motor that important role in the activities of daily living, have deficient. The aim of this study were the effect of a speed stacking training program on bi-manual coordination and manual dexterity in elderly men.
Methodology: The method was semi-experimental research study. For this research, 38 elderly man (72.7±1.4) years were selected using available sampling that nursing home. After taking a pretest by Purdue Peg board and bi-manual coordination test, based on scores, subjects were divided in two groups, control and experimental. Interventions consist of sport stacking games training. Sport stacking training was performed in4 weeks, 45 min sessions, 4 times per week. For data analyzing, Kolmogorove-Smirnov test for normality, Levene`s test for homogeneity of variances were used.
Results: ANCOVA test results showed, difference between post test scores variable of speed manual dexterity was a significant (P≤0.05) but the error of manual dexterity difference between the two groups was not significant (P≥0.05). Also, in variable of clockwise and counterclockwise time bi-manual coordination results showed that significant differences were between control and experimental groups in post-test scores (P≤0.05).
Discussion: In previous studies it has been shown that with aging sensory perception progressively weakened and leading to deterioration of fine motor function in everyday activities and others due to age-related changes in strength and amount of touch in hand. Do perceptual-motor interventions and physical activities can improve fine motor function in elderly especially the elderly who are not experiencing Specific diseases, have an effective role, and was the better quality of life and independence of this stratum of society. According to the results of this study can be used to upgrade bi-manual coordination and manual dexterity elderly, use of speed stacking training in exercise programs and daily, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes.