Using Consumer-grade Wearable Devices for Fall Risk Evaluation and Alerts

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · Jul 12, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how smartphone apps and wearable devices can help older adults assess their risk of falling. The study will first compare data from a smartphone with data from specialized wearable sensors while participants do balance and walking exercises. Then, researchers will create a model that combines information about the person—like their age, medical history, and past falls—with data from the devices to better evaluate fall risk. Finally, they plan to develop a mobile app that allows older adults to easily check their own fall risk.

To participate, you need to be 65 years or older. However, you cannot join if you have fallen in the last six months or have certain medical conditions, such as neurological disorders or serious physical limitations. If you choose to take part, you can expect to use both a smartphone and a wearable device to help researchers gather important information about your balance and walking, ultimately helping to create tools that could prevent falls in older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 65 years or older
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • have had a fall in the six months
• • have been diagnosed with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, or have had a stroke in the last year
• • have orthopedic or cardiopulmonary conditions and/or surgeries in the past year
• • have physical limitations that would make it difficult or uncomfortable for individuals to perform the experimental tasks.