Aging Affects Multi-Objective Optimal Control Strategies during Obstacle Crossing

Obstacle crossing challenges balance and increases the risk of falls in older people. Knowledge control strategies adopted by people will be helpful for study mechanisms during obstacle development fall-prevention approaches. A mechanical model body combined with measured gait data was used to 17 healthy young adults when obstacles different heights, terms best-compromise weighting sets objectives minimizing energy expenditure maximizing toe-obstacle heel-obstacle clearances. The group showed increased leading clearance trailing distance, but decreased distance. Compared young, strategy emphasized foot-obstacle reduce tripping, at expense expenditure. It appears that multi-objective optimal relies on muscular strength lower extremities precise end-point control. Therefore, maintaining or improving muscle ability limb position is critical safe successful obstacle-crossing population.