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Design and Analysis for Fall Detection System Simplification
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Differentiating fallers from nonfallers using nonlinear variability analyses of data from a low-cost portable
Arash Mohammadzadeh Gonabadi1,2, Prokopios Antonellis1, Philippe Malcolm1
1Department of Biomechanics and Center for Research in Human Movement Variability, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, United States of America.
Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics
|November 30, 2021
Summary
A low-cost footswitch device effectively measured gait variability in older adults. This technology shows promise for predicting fall risk by analyzing stride times and identifying individuals prone to falls.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Falls represent a significant cause of injury among the elderly population.
- Assessing fall risk is crucial for implementing preventive strategies.
- Gait variability is a potential indicator of fall risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a low-cost footswitch device for measuring gait variability.
- To investigate the relationship between gait variability metrics and clinical balance tests in older adults with a history of falls.
Main Methods:
- Sixteen older adults participated, completing fall history questionnaires and functional balance tests.
- Participants walked on a treadmill while wearing the footswitch device to capture stride times.
- Nonlinear variability analyses, including coefficient of variation and detrended fluctuation analysis, were applied.
Main Results:
- Footswitch device measurements of temporal variables and gait variability correlated with gold-standard ground reaction force data.
- Detrended fluctuation analysis demonstrated a significant association with a history of falls (43% sensitivity).
Conclusions:
- This study supports the feasibility of using affordable footswitch devices for fall risk assessment.
- The findings suggest potential for low-cost technology to aid in predicting fall risk in older adults.
