Analysis of obstacle height threshold for elderly to safely cross based on dynamic stability

Abstract

To calculate the threshold of obstacle height that could ensure the safe crossing of the elderly. The conventional kinematics parameters, TO moment, and temporal dynamic parameters were involved. The dynamic stability parameters of the young group, the elderly group, and the fall group were calculated under the 5m-25cm obstacle gait. Both kinematic and dynamic stability parameters can reflect the changes in dynamic stability with aging. Still, only the temporal dynamic stability parameter can significantly distinguish the detailed differences between the elderly group and the fall group, and this difference occurred only when the height of the obstacle reached 20cm. This study calculates the height threshold for the elderly to safely cross obstacles, which can guide the aging adaptation of related facilities.