Control strategies used by older adults during multiple obstacle avoidance

The purpose of our study was to determine the methods of control over the center of mass (COM) utilized by older adults when navigating a functional obstacle course. The course included three different types of obstacles placed closely in series requiring subjects to walk around, step over and duck under. Optoelectric cameras were used to record kinematic data as older adults navigated the course under normal and low lighting and different obstacle contrast conditions. Results were compared across lighting conditions and obstacle contrast conditions. Statistical analyses revealed that older adults are able to successfully navigate a functional obstacle course through increases in their trunk motion and a reduction in their average step velocity, via changes in step length or cadence. These adaptations may pose a challenge to the limits of stability of an older adult and place them at a greater risk of falling when avoiding obstacles in their travel path.