Dynamic balance predicts obstacle crossing ability in older adults.
Older adults who have better balance skills take less time to shift their body weight when crossing obstacles. This was shown in a study where 15 older adults crossed a 10 cm obstacle while their balance ability was measured. The results revealed that those with higher dynamic balance ability had quicker center of pressure displacement times. This suggests that how well someone can balance while moving can be predicted by how fast they shift their weight when crossing obstacles.