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Control strategies used by older adults during multiple obstacle avoidance
Catherine R Lowrey1, Rebecca J Reed, Lori Ann Vallis
1Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
Gait & Posture
|October 31, 2006
Summary
Older adults successfully navigate obstacles by adjusting trunk motion and reducing step velocity. However, these gait adaptations may increase fall risk due to challenges in stability control.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
- Human Movement Science
Background:
- Aging is associated with changes in gait and balance.
- Navigating complex environments poses challenges for older adults.
- Understanding compensatory strategies is crucial for fall prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how older adults control their center of mass (COM) while navigating a functional obstacle course.
- To examine the effects of lighting and obstacle contrast on obstacle negotiation strategies.
- To identify kinematic adaptations during obstacle crossing in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Older adults navigated an obstacle course with varied obstacles (walk-around, step-over, duck-under).
- Optoelectric cameras captured kinematic data during navigation.
- Data were analyzed under different lighting and obstacle contrast conditions.
Main Results:
- Older adults increased trunk motion to manage their center of mass.
- Average step velocity was reduced through alterations in step length or cadence.
- Successful navigation was achieved via these compensatory kinematic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Older adults employ specific trunk and gait modifications to overcome obstacles.
- These adaptations may compromise stability limits, increasing fall risk.
- Further research is needed to explore interventions for improving obstacle negotiation safety in older adults.
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