While several devices are available to detect when elderly people fall and call for help, researchers at Care Innovations, a company formed from a collaboration between Intel and GE, aims to predict who is most at risk for a fall before it happens.
The research prototype shown here, called qTUG, consists of two wearable sensors embedded with an accelerometer and gyroscope and strapped to the lower legs. The sensors send data wirelessly to a tablet computer loaded with special software. The wearer performs a standard test used in the doctor’s office to predict an individual’s risk of falling. It times how long it takes for the patient to get up from a chair, walk three meters and turn around.
After studying 600 people over five years, researchers have identified a pattern most common to people who would later fall. Ultimately, they hope to use the program to identify these people early on during routine office visits. Physicians could then prescribe strengthening exercises to mitigate that risk or recommend cognitive tests that assess the part of the brain responsible for balance.