Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
A Training Program Using an Agility Ladder for Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Published on: March 7, 2020
Middle-old and old-old retirement dwelling adults respond differently to locomotor challenges in cluttered
Rebecca J Reed1, Catherine R Lowrey, Lori Ann Vallis
1Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Animal Science/Nutrition Building, Guelph, Ont., Canada N1G 2W1.
Abstract:
Obstacle navigation during locomotion was investigated in older adults using an obstacle course paradigm under different ambient lighting conditions. Similar strategies for obstacle navigation were observed between the two age groups studied (middle-old: 75-85 years and old-old adults: 85 years and older), however old-old individuals were "less" successful at avoiding obstacles. Differences observed between the two age groups in obstacle course performance may be attributed to changes in spatial reference frames that occur with age and/or differences in perceived threat of obstacles in the travel path. Reduced lighting conditions and increasing age were also found to have significant affects on obstacle navigation.
