Abstract
This study aimed to show that important fall risk measures among the elderly can be classified using multiple parameters obtained from wearable inertial sensors. The timed up-and-go (TUG) test, a well-known standard assessment test, was used to evaluate the risk of falling among elderly individuals. The use of wearable inertial sensors enables extraction of triaxial acceleration and angular velocity signals for offline analysis. Thirty-eight elderly patients from Fujimoto Hayasuzu Hospital participated in this study. Specific results were provided from the signals obtained from acceleration and angular velocity, and analysis was carried out in each phase of various activities, such as sit-to-stand, walking, etc. Seventy-eight parameters were obtained from the extracted acceleration and angular velocity signals in all phases to classify the risk of falling among the elderly. Using principle component analysis, the most important measures were selected from the gathered parameters. The most influential measure in differentiating subjects with high and low fall risks was the turning angular velocity signal.
Highlights
As the elderly population continues to increase, the welfare and health care systems are expected to expand significantly to ensure continued improvement in the elderly population’s quality of life (QOL)
One established standard assessment used by therapists worldwide to measure basic mobility function and evaluate the risk of falling among the elderly is the timed up-and-go (TUG) test
Sensitive and reliable measures for fall-risk assessment have been provided by measurement of wearable inertial sensors [27]
Summary
As the elderly population continues to increase, the welfare and health care systems are expected to expand significantly to ensure continued improvement in the elderly population’s quality of life (QOL). Various physical assessment tools have been developed to reduce the risk of falling among t h e elderly [5]. One established standard assessment used by therapists worldwide to measure basic mobility function and evaluate the risk of falling among the elderly is the timed up-and-go (TUG) test. In classifying the risk of falling using this method, age-related ability was identified to have limited clinical value. The literature recognizes a myriad of risk factors for falls, including demographic factors, historical factors, physical deficits, environment factors, and others [6,7]. Diverse factors associated with physical deficits contribute to falling. The likelihood of falling increases with the number of risk factors. Classification of the fall risk using several important measures selected from various gathered parameters is essential to enhance interest in this topic
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
