Using Consumer-grade Wearable Devices for Fall Risk Evaluation and Alerts
University of Michigan
Summary
Creation and use of a smartphone application for older adults to assess the participants' risk of fall. Phase 1: Compare the accuracy and validity of accelerometer and gyroscopic data from a smartphone and gold-standard, wearable sensors gathered during balance and gait activities. Phase 2: Develop a model that integrates wearable sensor data and individual characteristics, such as age, medical conditions, exercises, previous falls, fear of falls, along with gait and balance outcome measurements, to evaluate fall risk in older adults. Phase 3: Integrate the computational model in the design of a mobile app for wearable devices for older adults to self-administer fall risk assessments and provide individualized risk of fall information.
Description
Falls are prevalent among older adults and can cause serious problems. Falls in older adults can cause serious injuries that negatively impact their quality of life and can be life-threatening. Evaluating an individual's risk of fall is, typically, an important first step in preventing falls. Fall risk is commonly evaluated through clinical measurement scales, such as the Tinetti Performance Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Physical measurements using instruments, such as inertial measurement units (IMUs; accelerometers and gyroscopes) and force plates, can als…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * 65 years or older Exclusion Criteria: * have been diagnosed with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, or have had a stroke in the last year * have orthopedic or cardiopulmonary conditions and/or surgeries in the past year * have physical limitations that would make it difficult or uncomfortable for individuals to perform the experimental tasks.
Interventions
- Behavioralrisk of fall
Gather information that will assist in determining risk of fall. The researchers will ask the subjects to perform several motor tests and study-related questionnaires.
Location
- University of Michigan-FlintFlint, Michigan