Postural Balance Research Articles

Fall Risk Assessment in Active Elderly Through the Use of Inertial Measurement Units: Determining the Right Postural Balance Variables and Sensor Locations

Falls among the elderly have been a significant public health challenge, with severe consequences for individuals and healthcare systems. Traditional balance assessment methods often lack ecological validity, necessitating more comprehensive and adaptable evaluation techniques. This research explores the use of inertial measurement units to assess postural balance in relation to the Berg Balance Scale outcomes. We recruited 14 participants from diverse age groups and health backgrounds, who performed 14 simulated tasks while wearing inertial measurement units on the head, torso, and lower back. Our study introduced a novel metric, i.e., the volume that envelops the 3-dimensional accelerations, calculated as the convex hull space, and used this metric along with others defined in previous studies. Through logistic regression, we demonstrated significant associations between various movement characteristics and the instances of balance loss. In particular, greater movement volume at the lower back (p = 0.021) was associated with better balance, while root-mean-square lower back angular velocity (p = 0.004) correlated with poorer balance. This study revealed that sensor location and task type (static vs. dynamic) significantly influenced the coefficients of the logistic regression model, highlighting the complex nature of balance assessment. These findings underscore the potential of IMUs in providing detailed objective balance assessments in the elderly by identifying specific movement patterns associated with balance impairment across various contexts. This knowledge can guide the development of targeted interventions and strategies for fall prevention, potentially improving the quality of life for older adults.

Effects of different swimming styles on postural assessment in mid-level young swimmers.

It is well-known that swimming purposes to increase the tonic-postural control. Beyond its physiological advantages, swimming also offers an exclusive platform to explore the complex interplay between body biomechanics and posture. The specific aim of this study was to investigate the effects of main swimming styles on postural balance in young athletes. Forty-one participants, aged between 11 and 15 years old (M= 13, SD= 1.47), were recruited. The training schedule usually consisted of 2/3 h (2.4 ± 0.46) per day (five to six weekly workouts). Measures included a postural assessment to identify the presence of postural deficits and a baropodometric stabilometry to evaluate the center of pressure. Measurements were performed before T0 (baseline), after 6 months (T1), and at the end, after 12 months (T2). Beforehand, all participants undertook identification of the swimming style and pain intensity level. Results showed that Breaststroke and Butterfly athletes had clear improvements in postural balance compared to Backstroke and Freestyle athletes. In conclusion, our results suggest that a detailed knowledge of the different swimming styles plays a significant role in improving balance and postural stability in young athletes, highlighting the fundamental role of the kinesiology in sports traumatology.

Light touch alters vestibular-evoked balance responses: Insights into dynamics of sensorimotor reweighting.

Integrated multisensory feedback plays a crucial role in balance control. Minimal fingertip contact with a surface (light-touch), reduces center of pressure (CoP) by adding sensory information about postural orientation and balance state. Electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) can increase sway by adding erroneous vestibular cues. This juxtaposition of conflicting sensory cues can be exploited to explore the dynamics of sensorimotor adaptations. We used continuous stochastic EVS (0-25Hz; ±4mA; 200-300s) to evoke balance responses in CoP (Exp-1, Exp-2). Systems analyses (coherence, gain) quantified coupling and size of balance responses to EVS. We had participants either touch (TOUCH; <2N) or not touch (NO-TOUCH) a load cell during EVS (Exp-1, Exp-2), or we intermittently removed the touch surface (Exp-2) to measure the effects of light touch on vestibular-evoked balance responses. We hypothesized that coherence and gain between EVS and CoP would decrease, consistent with the CNS down-weighting vestibular cues that conflict with light touch. Light touch reduced CoP displacement, but increased variation in the CoP signal explained by EVS input. Significant coherence between EVS and CoP was observed up to ~30Hz in both conditions but was significantly greater in the TOUCH condition from 12-28.5-Hz. Conversely, EVS-CoP gain was 63% lower in TOUCH, compared to NO-TOUCH. Our findings show that light touch can reduce the size of vestibular-evoked responses but also increase high frequency vestibular contributions for sway. This suggests that the CNS can use discrete changes in sensory inputs to alter balance behavior but cannot fully suppress responses to a potent cue.

Therapeutic Interventions to Improve Static Balance in Type 2 DiabetesMellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in blood glucose levels resulting from insulin secretion and/or dysfunctional activity that can lead to several serious complications in addition to decreased postural balance. This study aimed to identify and analyze the main interventions used to improve static balance in patients with DM. For the selection of articles, a bibliographic search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Only clinical trials that investigated the effect of training on static balance in adults with type 2 DM were selected, and 34 studies were included. The search resulted in the identification of 2681 articles, and of these, 31 were eligible for the study. The identified interventions were proprioceptive, aerobic, resistance training on platforms, in virtual reality, and Tai Chi. The main results obtained were an increase in time in the one-leg stance, Romberg test, and tandem position, a significant increase in the Berg Balance Scale score and balance index, and a reduction in the variables of postural sway. There are a variety of effective training methods for improving static balance, and the choice of intervention to be applied goes beyond proven effectiveness, depending on reproducibility and/or financial cost.

Effect of the use of Smartphones in Sitting on the Cervical Proprioception and Postural Balance: a Cross-Sectional Study

Effect of the use of Smartphones in Sitting on the Cervical Proprioception and Postural Balance: a Cross-Sectional Study

Analysis of anticipatory and compensatory postural adjustment in women of different age groups using surface electromyography

Postural balance is crucial for daily activities, relying on the coordination of sensory systems. Balance impairment, common in the elderly, is a leading cause of mortality in this population. To analyze balance, methods like postural adjustment analysis using electromyography (EMG) have been developed. With age, women tend to experience reduced mobility and greater muscle loss compared to men. However, few studies have focused on postural adjustments in women of different ages using EMG of the lower limbs during laterolateral and anteroposterior movements. This gap could reveal a decrease in muscle activation time with aging, as activation time is vital for postural adjustments. This study aimed to analyze muscle activation times in women of different ages during postural adjustments. Thirty women were divided into two groups: young and older women. A controlled biaxial force platform was used for static and dynamic balance tests while recording lower limb muscle activity using EMG. Data analysis focused on identifying muscle activation points and analyzing postural adjustment times. Results showed significant differences in muscle activation times between the two groups across various muscles and platform tilt conditions. Younger women had longer muscle activation times than older women, particularly during laterolateral platform inclinations. In anteroposterior movements, older women exhibited longer activation times compared to their laterolateral performance, with fewer differences between the groups. Overall, older women had shorter muscle activation times than younger women, suggesting a potential indicator of imbalance and increased fall risk.

EFEITOS DOS EXERCÍCIOS DE PILATES NO EQUILÍBRIO ESTÁTICO E DINÂMICO DE IDOSOS: REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA E META-ANÁLISE

During aging, some organic and functional deficits occur. The most effective intervention for its prevention is resistance exercise, but another possibility is Pilates. Despite the evidence of its influence on the elderly, its improvement in the dynamic and static balance of this population has not yet been fully elucidated. The objective was to verify the effects of Pilates exercises on static and dynamic postural balance in elderly people. The searches took place in the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, LILACS and PEDro. The methodological quality was assessed by PEDro. Meta-analyses were performed using the standardized mean difference between groups. 35 studies were included in the review, of which 13 were considered of good quality, with a significant result (p&lt;0.05) of Pilates exercises in relation to the control group. Therefore, practicing Pilates exercises for the elderly is beneficial for dynamic and static balance.

Adapted Taekwondo Improves Postural Balance and Health-Related Quality of Life Concerning Multicomponent Training and Walking Exercise in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Trial (TKD and Aging Project)

Adapted Taekwondo Improves Postural Balance and Health-Related Quality of Life Concerning Multicomponent Training and Walking Exercise in Older Females: A Randomized Controlled Trial (TKD and Aging Project)

Correlation Between Modified Functional Reach Test and Medio-Lateral Center of Pressure in Paraplegic Individuals With Motor-Complete Spinal Cord Injury

The Modified Functional Reach Test (mFRT) was developed to assess sitting balance in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). No studies have explored which mFRT reach directions correlate with the center of pressure (CoP) variables in patients with motor-complete SCI (mcSCI). Addressing this gap is important for improving the clinical usefulness of the mFRT. Thus, this study aims to determine the correlation between seated balance parameters based on CoP and the mFRT in individuals with MCSCI. A total of 10 individuals with mcSCI (9 males and 1 female; range 20–42 years; 4 high paraplegia and 6 low paraplegia). Individuals were tested using a force platform during the sitting postural balance test (SPBT) and the mFRT with/without force plate with three measures of reach: forward (FR), right (RR), and left (LR). The sway parameters investigated were the area CoP sway (CoPSway), the average velocity of CoP displacements along the anterior–posterior (VAP) and medial-lateral (VML) directions, and standard deviation in both directions (SDAP and SDML). The Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the data. Significant correlations were found between the mediolateral reaches of the mFRT and corresponding CoP variables. The rightward and leftward reaches of the mFRT both showed strong correlations with CoP variables during the leftward reach. Additionally, the leftward mFRT exhibited moderate correlations with CoP variables in the same, rightward, and forward directions. The mFRT medio-lateral direction correlates with CoP at medio-lateral directions in paraplegic individuals with mcSCI.

Numerical investigation of local scour around a 2-degree of freedom vibrating subsea pipeline in steady flow under sagging condition

Numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the local scour below a sagging subsea pipeline vibrating in two degrees of freedom (2-DOF), covering a sagging ratio from −0.3 to 0 and a wide range of reduced velocities from 0.5 to 15. A negative sagging ratio means that the static balance position of the bottom surface of the pipeline is below the sand surface. The combined effects of the sagging and 2-DOF vibration of the pipeline on the scour are investigated. The maximum scour depth of the 2-DOF vibrating pipeline in the lock-in range of the vibration increases by 10% compared to the 1-DOF; however, the reduced velocity where the maximum scour depth occurs changes from 5 to 6. The variations of the vibration amplitude with the reduced velocity for all the sagging ratios follow a similar trend. For embedment ratios of −0.4 to −0.3, initial condition of scour simulation affects the equilibrium scour depth and vibration amplitudes. Simulations with a flat sand surface as initial condition prevent full scour development because the pipeline reaches its static balance position due to weak flow through the pipeline-to-bed gap. However, if the simulation starts with a sufficiently large initial scour depth, scour can reach its equilibrium.

Design and data analysis of a wearable basketball training posture measurement system based on multifunctional conjugated polymer composite materials

Conjugated materials in basketball training are specific polymers included in sportswear to record and analyze player motions, helping to improve skills and prevent injuries by offering an in-depth analysis of the biomechanics and movements of athletes during training sessions. These materials provide basketball players with lightweight, long-lasting, and versatile qualities, offering comfortable gear that precisely monitors movements, complementing their training requirements for enhanced performance and technique improvement. This article describes creating and examining a novel wearable basketball conditioning posture assessment system called DMAS4B (Dynamic Motion Analysis System for Basketball). The technology includes sophisticated computer vision algorithms (CVA-Kalman Fusion Algorithm), Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), and versatile, conjugated polymer composite materials. These materials, strategically positioned within specially developed sportswear, enable real-time tracking and evaluation of basketball player locations during training sessions. DMAS4B includes gathering detailed body movement data and focusing on essential basketball skills like shooting technique, dribbling stance, and defensive alignments. The collected data is delivered wirelessly to the MotionPro+ Basketball Analytics Software, a specialized platform for thorough analysis and visualization. The ability of IMUs, multifunctional conjugated polymer composites, and computer vision algorithms to work together to record and analyze basketball player movements precisely is demonstrated in this study. The system’s implementation seeks to connect traditional training methods with advanced technology, providing athletes and coaches instant and thorough feedback on posture accuracy, balance, and mastery of techniques. The comprehensive examination of data collected from DMAS4B offers a novel method to improve basketball training programs, enhance player performance, and reduce the likelihood of injuries. In addition, the flexible character of this technology provides a foundation for possible use in various sports, transforming customised training methods worldwide.

Prolotherapy for Chronic Ankle Instability Improves Postural Balance and Reduces Recurrent Sprains: Results of a 1-year RCT

Prolotherapy for Chronic Ankle Instability Improves Postural Balance and Reduces Recurrent Sprains: Results of a 1-year RCT

EFFECTS OF A WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION EXERCISE PROGRAM ON PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AND POSTURAL BALANCE OF OLDER ADULTS

With the burgeoning elderly population, there is an escalating demand for effective and safe exercise programs to enhance physical performance and avert age-related complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise program on the physical performance and postural balance of older adults. The study enlisted 21 participants aged 65 and older, divided into three groups: WBV, foam mat (FM), and control. Over four weeks, participants engaged in a structured exercise regimen designed to improve lower limb muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, coordination, and postural balance. The low-impact, elderly-friendly program included resistance exercises tailored to each group’s conditions. Pre- and post-program evaluations comprised physical performance tests (chair stand, 2[Formula: see text]-min step, chair sit-and-reach, figure-of-8 walk) and postural balance assessments (limit of stability (LOS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), One Leg Stance (OLS)). Results showed significant improvements across all groups, with the WBV group exhibiting the most pronounced enhancements. WBV group improvements included a 62.8% increase in lower-limb muscle strength and a 31.7% rise in cardiovascular endurance. The WBV group also demonstrated the greatest advancements in postural stability and dynamic balance, as indicated by significant changes in OLS and TUG test times. These findings suggest WBV exercises can effectively enhance physical performance and balance in older adults, presenting a promising alternative to traditional exercise programs that may impose greater physical burdens. Further research with larger sample sizes and controlled variables is recommended to confirm these benefits and refine WBV exercise protocols.

Dynamic changes in the hippocampal memory index and biochemical indices in Sprague Dawley rats exposed to intrauterine kola nut

Kola nut is commonly consumed by pregnant women to suppress symptoms of morning sickness. This study investigated the effects of kola nut on the biochemical indices of the hippocampus and its dependent memory. Kola nut extract was fed to pregnant dams from the first day of their pregnancy until parturition. The following behavioral function tests were conducted: surface righting (SR); cliff avoidance (post-natal day [PND] 4, 5, 6 & 7); open field; novel object recognition and location; and radial-arm maze (PND 21 and 56). The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), acetylcholine (ACh), and malondialdehyde (MDA) of the matched hippocampal tissues were also checked in the pups. The kola nut-treated pups showed significantly reduced behavioral indices compared to the pups in the control group: lower postural balance, higher risk avoidance memory, and lower frequency in pivoting and rearing compared to that in the control group. However, the frequency of urine and fecal bolus was significantly lower in the pups in the control group than that in the treated pups. The discrimination ratio of the control group pups in novel object recognition (NOR) and novel object location (NOL) was significantly higher than that in the treated pups, and the time taken by the treated pups to complete RAM was significantly higher. The levels of ACh and BDNF in the treated pups were increased compared to that in control pups. A positive correlation was found between MDA and SR (r = 0.7207; p = 0.0437), grooming (r = 0.7707; p = 0.0252), and fecal bolus (r = 0.7606; p = 0.0284), as well as with the BDNF level in those treated with grooming (r = 0.7570; p = 0.0297). However, negative correlations between ACh and rearing (r = -0.8261; p = 0.0115) and fecal bolus (r = -0.8066; p = 0.0156) and a positive correlation with NOL (r = 0.8358; p = 0.0098) were observed. Based on these observations, the study concluded that Kola nut affects both biochemical and hippocampal memory profiles.

A study to evaluate the postural sway in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with or without polyneuropathy: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND- Diabetes can cause long-term complications such as retinopathy, which can result in vision loss, nephropathy, which can cause renal failure, peripheral neuropathy, which increases the risk of foot ulcers. The degree of postural instability is anticipated to be higher in diabetic patients with a lengthy history of severe peripheral neuropathy than in non-diabetic people. Patients with polyneuropathy who have type 2 diabetes were unable to maintain an upright posture. There will be the early stage of postural balance impairment. PURPOSE- To evaluate the postural sway in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with or without polyneuropathy. METHODOLOGY- The total study duration was one and half year. Two groups were taken including Group A with Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with polyneuropathy and Group B with Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients without polyneuropathy. Patients between the age group of 45-70 years were selected on the basis of inclusion criteria. A minimum of 40 patients were recruited for the study. Dependent variable, postural sway in anteroposterior direction was evaluated on the Orthoking Pressure Plate SDP 610. RESULTS- Data analysis was performed by SPSS Software version 18 and the variable was compared and assessed using unpaired t-test and Karl Pearson's Coefficient of Correlation. The results of the study showed that there was significant difference between the postural sway (in AP direction) of Group A (DM type 2 with polyneuropathy) and Group B (DM type 2 without polyneuropathy), as the P values of Group A and Group B were 0.0307 (eyes open) and 0.0445 (eyes closed). In both groups (Group A and Group B), the correlation between postural sway (AP direction) between the eyes open and eyes closed conditions was also significant at level 0.05 (two-tailed). CONCLUSION: From the results of present study it is depicted that there is postural sway with reference to increase in deviation in Anteroposterior direction. Thus it can be concluded that DM Type 2 with polyneuropathy have higher postural sway as compared to the DM type 2 patients without polyneuropathy. Therefore, the results from the present study can be taken into consideration while assessing and treatment planning of patients with DM Type 2 with polyneuropathy.

STABILOMETRY AS A METHOD FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TRAINING OF THE HUMAN POSTURAL BALANCE

Introduction. Posture is intrinsically linked to balance and the maintenance of an upright body position. Achieving stable posture and upright movement relies on the body’s complex neuromuscular regulation system. In clinical practice, stabilometry is employed to assess balance function and postural control. This study aims to synthesize data on the effectiveness of stabilometry as a diagnostic tool for evaluating postural balance and as a training method to enhance it. Materials and Methods. An analysis of 45 sources from databases including Academia.edu, PubMed, ResearchGate, and Google Scholar over the past decade was conducted using Keywords: posture, stabilometry, and postural balance. Results. Stabilometry is a contemporary technique for tracking the projection of the body’s center of mass on the support plane, as well as its fluctuations while standing or performing diagnostic tests and medical procedures. This review examines the application of stabilometry both for diagnosing balance and as a supplementary training method to improve postural balance in athletes and individuals with musculoskeletal disorders. Stabilometry results have highlighted correlations between stomatognathic system dysfunctions and musculoskeletal issues and demonstrated the positive impact of occlusal adjustments on body balance. As such, stabilometry can serve as an effective diagnostic tool for assessing posture in a dental clinic, useful for both diagnostic assessments and evaluating preventive or treatment outcomes. Conclusions. Training that combines myogymnastic exercises with stabilometric platform exercises significantly improved balance and functional efficiency in patients, as shown through stabilometric analysis. A key area of ongoing research is the interplay between posture and other bodily systems, particularly the stomatognathic system, which may be pivotal in treating temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

Probiotics' supplementation alleviates disease severity and improves postural balance by repairing intestinal leak in patients suffering from osteoarthritis: a double-blinded clinical trial.

Increased intestinal leakiness and associated systemic inflammation are potential contributors to osteoarthritis (OA) and postural imbalance in the geriatric population. To date, no successful treatment to correct postural imbalance in OA is known. We aimed to explore the effects of a multistrain probiotic upon postural imbalance in OA-affected patients. In this randomised, double-blind trial with a placebo group, 147 patients suffering from knee OA (age span = 64-75 years) were divided into placebo (n 75) and probiotics (n 72) study groups. Vivomix 112 billion, multistrain probiotic was given once a day for 12 weeks. The outcomes of study variables were determined first at baseline and later after 12 weeks of intervention. These were Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), knee flexion range of motion (ROM), pain intensity by visual analogue scale, handgrip strength (HGS), gait speed and balance control assessed in standing, semi-tandem and tandem stances. We determined plasma zonulin to determine intestinal leak along with c-reactive protein and 8-isoprostanes levels. A total of 136 OA patients taking placebo (n 71) and probiotics (n 65) were analysed. The probiotics group exhibited a reduction in pain intensity, disease severity and WOMAC scores along with improvement in balance scores, HGS and walking speed (P < 0·05 for all), no change in ROM, resting pain and 8-isoprostanes levels. The correlation analysis revealed a robust association of balance scores with plasma markers of intestinal leakiness and inflammation in probiotics but not in the placebo group. Probiotics reduce postural imbalance in OA patients partly due to a reduction in intestinal leakiness.

Acute effect of Dynamic Tape™ application to the gluteus medius muscle on lower limb kinetics in healthy women: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BackgroundDynamic tape™ (DT) is a biomechanical tape used to manage load directly, modify movement patterns, and assist functioning. Despite its increasing use in clinical practice, few studies have evaluated its effectiveness in improving postural stability, balance, and lower limb kinetics during jump landing tasks. This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of applying DT to the gluteus medius (GM) muscle on balance strategies during squatting, as well as on jump landing kinetics in asymptomatic active women. MethodsA randomized controlled clinical trial was performed with 32 healthy and recreationally active women randomly assigned to three groups: 1) submitted to the DT application in active form on the GM (BG; n = 9); 2) submitted to the DT application in placebo form on the GM (PG; n = 12), and 3) not submitted to any form of intervention (CG; n = 11). Center of pressure data was assessed using a force platform during the single-leg squat (SLS), and jump landing kinetics was assessed using the same platform during the drop landing (DL) and anterior jump (AJ) tasks under two conditions (with and without DT application). ResultsThere was no significant effect of group or time factors, and no significant group × time interaction for any stabilometric outcome measure during the SLS and for any kinetic outcome measure during the DL and AJ (P > 0.05). ConclusionDT functionally applied to the GM muscle had no acute effects on balance conditions and jump landing kinetics in asymptomatic active women.

Development and Validation of the Short Form (JAEN-10) of the Joint Assessment of Equilibrium and Neuromotor Status Scale (JAEN-20).

Objectives: The objective of this study was to develop and validate the short version of The Joint Assessment of Equilibrium and Neuromotor Status Scale (JAEN scale) for use in women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) to make the balance disorder measurement process more efficient. Methods: A cross-sectional observational validation study was conducted. Fifty-six women with FMS and forty-four healthy controls were included. Certain items from the original tool were selected with the aim of (1) improving internal consistency by reducing item redundancy and (2) obtaining a diagnostic capacity with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) greater than 0.70 for discriminating FMS patients and fallers. The internal consistency, factorial validity, concurrent validity and diagnostic capacity of the new tool were analyzed. Results: Factorial analysis showed a two-factor structure that explained 72% of the variance. Cronbach alpha coefficients of 0.904 were obtained for the total score of the JAEN-10 items. Concurrent validity analysis showed strong correlations of the JAEN-10 with other instruments that measured quality of life, postural balance or disability related to dizziness. The score of the JAEN-10 items showed an AUC of 0.858 with a sensitivity of 64.29 and a specificity of 95.45 for discriminating between FMS and healthy controls, and an AUC of 0.835 with a sensitivity of 90.48 and a specificity of 67.24 for discriminating between fallers and non-fallers. Conclusions: The 10-item JAEN scale is a valid instrument for discriminating between subjects with or without FMS and between fallers and non-fallers. Its psychometric properties are good and are similar to those of the original 20-item scale. Moreover, it is quicker to complete, which may be relevant for subjects with a tendency to experience fatigue.

A multi-objective optimal control approach to motor strategy changes in older people with mild cognitive impairment during obstacle crossing.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may lead to difficulty maintaining postural stability and balance during locomotion. This heightened susceptibility to falls is particularly evident during tasks such as obstacle negotiation, which demands efficient motor planning and reallocation of attentional resources. This study proposed a multi-objective optimal control (MOOC) technique to assess the changes in motor control strategies during obstacle negotiation in older people affected by amnestic MCI. Motion data from 12 older adults with MCI and 12 controls when crossing obstacles were measured using a motion capture system, and used to obtain the control strategy of obstacle-crossing as the best compromise between the conflicting objectives of the MOOC problem, i.e., minimising mechanical energy expenditure and maximising foot-obstacle clearance. Comparisons of the weighting sets between groups and obstacle heights were performed using a two-way analysis of variance with a significance level of 0.05. Compared to the controls, the MCI group showed significantly lower best-compromise weightings for mechanical energy expenditure but greater best-compromise weightings for both heel- and toe-obstacle clearances. This altered strategy involved a trade-off, prioritising maximising foot-obstacle clearance at the expense of increased mechanical energy expenditure. The MCI group could successfully navigate obstacles with a normal foot-obstacle clearance but at the cost of higher mechanical energy expenditure. MCI alters the best-compromise strategy between minimising mechanical energy expenditure and maximising foot-obstacle clearances for obstacle-crossing in older people. These findings provide valuable insights into how MCI impacts motor tasks and offer potential strategies for mitigating fall risks in individuals with MCI. Moreover, this approach could serve as an assessment tool for early diagnosis and a more precise evaluation of disease progression. It may also have applications for individuals with impairments in other cognitive domains.