Scientists have linked moderate alcohol consumption to poor coordination

Even small amounts of alcohol consumption may be associated with poorer coordination with age. The researchers found that among healthy adults, greater amounts of alcohol consumed over a lifetime were associated with poorer hand movement accuracy and decreased body stability. The study was published in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism (A&A).

The study involved 83 healthy non-smokers aged 21 to 69 years who consumed alcohol within the current guidelines. Scientists assessed their fine motor skills, speed of movement, hand coordination and balance.

The analysis found that a greater total amount of alcohol consumed over a lifetime was associated with worse scores on tests of manual dexterity and complex motor coordination. Also, people with higher lifetime alcohol consumption had poorer body stability when tested with their eyes closed.

At the same time, scientists did not find differences between men and women - the connection was observed in representatives of both sexes.

The authors note that the results do not prove that alcohol directly causes poor coordination, but do show that even levels of consumption previously considered low-risk may be associated with changes in motor function.