Testing a theory-based mobility monitoring protocol using in-home sensors: a feasibility study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Mobility is crucial for independent living in older adults.
• Aging is associated with declines in mobility, impacting daily tasks.
• Objective mobility monitoring is needed to complement subjective self-reports.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test a theory-based mobility monitoring protocol using in-home sensors.
• To compare sensor-based mobility measures with self-report measures.
• To assess the acceptability of in-home sensor technology among older adults.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods study involving 8 community-dwelling older adults.
• Administered standardized instruments for physical, psychosocial, and cognitive parameters.
• Conducted semi-structured interviews to evaluate technology acceptability at 3 and 6 months.

Main Results:

• Technical issues precluded direct comparison between sensor-based and self-report mobility measures.
• In-home sensor technology was found to be acceptable to older adults.
• The mobility monitoring protocol implementation in homes was feasible.

Conclusions:

• In-home sensor technology is acceptable for monitoring older adult mobility.
• The proposed theory-based protocol is feasible for field studies.
• Further technological advancements are necessary for robust sensor-based measure validation.