Article

This systematic review and critical evaluation of the literature investigates
whether advanced age compromises obstacle crossing for unconstrained and
time-constrained conditions.
Eight electronic databases were searched for
articles with terms relating to obstacle crossing during walking in their title,
abstract or keywords. 15 articles were reviewed from an initial yield of 727
articles. The methodological quality of each article was critiqued and data
extracted by two reviewers.
Young and older adults were shown to contact
obstacles infrequently when adequate time was available to adapt foot placement
in relation to the obstacle.
When less time was available to adjust the foot
trajectory, older adults contacted obstacles more often than younger people.
Older adults adopted a slower,
more conservative obstacle crossing strategy.
They demonstrated greater hip flexion during the swing phase of gait for the lead and
trail limbs as well as greater hip flexion, hip adduction and ankle dorsiflexion
during the stance phase for the lead and trail limbs. There was also evidence of
reduced internal moments across the hip and ankle during key events in the
obstacle crossing gait cycle in older adults. Despite using a more conservative
obstacle crossing strategy, older adults are at greater risk of contacting obstacles for time-constrained conditions.

Langue : ANGLAIS