Exergames for the elderly: towards an embedded Kinect-based clinical test of falls risk

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Falls are a major cause of disability and death in older adults.
• Balance exercise programs reduce fall risk by 40% but suffer from low adherence.
• Video games offer a potential solution to increase engagement in exercise interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel Kinect-based system for delivering step training to older adults.
• To integrate real-time measurement of fall-predictive stepping parameters within a game environment.
• To explore the potential of gamified exercise for improving adherence in fall prevention.

Main Methods:

• Development of a Microsoft Kinect-based system for interactive step training.
• Implementation of algorithms to quantify motor function and stepping performance parameters.
• Focus on parameters known to predict fall risk in the elderly population.

Main Results:

• The system successfully delivers step training using Kinect technology.
• It quantifies key stepping parameters relevant to fall prediction.
• This approach offers a novel method for assessing and potentially improving balance in older adults.

Conclusions:

• Kinect-based systems can provide engaging and measurable step training for fall prevention.
• Gamified exercise interventions show promise for increasing adherence in older adults.
• This technology has the potential to reduce fall-related injuries and improve quality of life.