Abstract:Purpose: This study aims to describe the different characteristics of dynamic stability characteristics between older adults and young adults during continuous turning walking in different directions. Methods: Fifteen healthy older adults and fifteen healthy young adults were recruited to finish continuous eight-shaped clockwise and counterclock turning. Three-dimensional motion capture system was used to collect kinematics data based on 43 bone markers. Gait and center of mass velocity parameters were proceeded by V3D software. Margin of stability in the forward and medial at foot contact and lift-off were analyzed. Results: Compared with clockwise turning, step width of the inner leg was increased(Clockwise turn for young adults: 0.15 ± 0.03 body height, counterclockwise turn for young adults: 0.17 ± 0.02 body height, clockwise turn for older adults: 0.16 ± 0.02 body height, counterclockwise turn for older adults: 0.15 ± 0.02 body height), and margin of stability in the forward direction at inner leg toe-off instant was decreased during counterclockwise turning in young adults(Clockwise turn for young adults: -0.78±2.64 cm, counterclockwise turn for young adults: -2.19±2.22 cm, clockwise turn for older adults: -1.15±3.12 cm, counterclockwise turn for older adults: -0.48±3.42 cm), whereas there were no significant differences in older adults. Conclusions: Step width of the inner leg and forward dynamic stability were influenced by age and turning direction simultaneously. More cautious strategies was adopted by healthy older adults to maintain anterior and medial stability during continuous turning walking. It is suggested that older adults should increase turning training in daily life, to improve medial-lateral control ability and confidence of turning.