Wearable inertial sensors to measure gait and posture characteristic differences in older adult fallers and non-fallers: A scoping review

Mubarak Patel,Aleksandar Pavic,Victoria A Goodwin

doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.10.039

Mubarak Patel, Aleksandar Pavic + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.10.039

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Journal: Gait & Posture	Publication Date: Nov 7, 2019
Citations: 66	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: University of Exeter

Abstract

BackgroundWearable inertial sensors have grown in popularity as a means of objectively assessing fall risk. This review aimed to identify gait and posture differences among older adult fallers and non-fallers which can be measured with the use of wearable inertial sensors. In addition to describing the number of sensors used to obtain measures, the concurrent anatomical locations, how these measures compare to current forms of clinical fall risk assessment tests and the setting of tests. MethodsFollowing the development of a rigorous search strategy, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, EMBASE, PEDro, and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies involving the use of wearable inertial sensors, to determine gait and postural based differences among fallers or those at high fall risk compared with non-fallers and low fall risk adults aged 60 years and older. ResultsThirty five papers met the inclusion criteria. One hundred and forty nine gait and posture characteristic differences were identified using wearable inertial sensors. There were sensor derived measures which significantly and strongly correlated with traditional clinical tests. The use of a single wearable inertial sensor located at the lower posterior trunk, was most the most effective location and enough to ascertain multiple pertinent fall risk factors. ConclusionThis review identified the capabilities of identifying fall risk factors among older adults with the use of wearable inertial sensors. The lightweight portable nature makes inertial sensors an effective tool to be implemented into clinical fall risk assessment and continuous unsupervised home monitoring, in addition to, outdoor testing.

Highlights

One in three adults over 65 years fall each year [1,2] and this increases to 40% of individuals over 80 years [3,4]
Six studies failed to provide sufficient detail on test group characteristics [2,26,27,28,29,30]. 70 % (1823/2608) of participants were females, gender was not reported in three studies [25,30,31]
The review undertook a comprehensive search of the literature and was able to demonstrate that wearable inertial sensor (WIS) have the capabilities to objectively identify fall risk among older adults, even when clinical tests could not

Summary

Introduction

One in three adults over 65 years fall each year [1,2] and this increases to 40% of individuals over 80 years [3,4]. Despite being relatively quick and reliable whilst providing potentially relevant information on fall risk, clinical tests are steeped in a history of subjective observation [16] Some tests such as the Timed-Up-and-Go test is measured by time taken and could be considered objective. This review aimed to identify gait and posture differences among older adult fallers and non-fallers which can be measured with the use of wearable inertial sensors. Methods: Following the development of a rigorous search strategy, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, EMBASE, PEDro, and CINAHL were systematically searched for studies involving the use of wearable inertial sensors, to determine gait and postural based differences among fallers or those at high fall risk compared with non-fallers and low fall risk adults aged 60 years and older. The lightweight portable nature makes inertial sensors an effective tool to be implemented into clinical fall risk assessment and continuous unsupervised home monitoring, in addition to, outdoor testing

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