Middle-old and old-old retirement dwelling adults respond differently to locomotor challenges in cluttered environments

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Gait & posture 2006-06, Vol.23 (4), p.486-491
Main Authors: Reed, Rebecca J., Lowrey, Catherine R., Vallis, Lori Ann
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Accidental Falls - prevention & control
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Cluttered environments
Environment
Female
Humans
Interior Design and Furnishings
Lighting
Locomotion
Locomotion - physiology
Male
Mobility Limitation
Obstacle course navigation
Older adults
Postural Balance
Spatial Behavior - physiology
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Summary: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.
ISSN:0966-6362
1879-2219
DOI:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2005.06.010