SmartGait: Fall Prevention in a Smartphone
Fall prevention for seniors has just gotten high tech. Falls are the number one independence robber of seniors. Find technology that can help you create a fall prevention plan.
Introduction
Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults, with over 2.3 million nonfatal fall injuries treated in emergency departments each year. As the global population ages, the need for effective fall prevention strategies becomes increasingly important. Technology has emerged as a promising tool in this effort, with innovative solutions like SmartGait LLC’s fall prediction and fall-prevention interventions. This article will explore the importance of fall prevention, the role of technology, and the innovative solutions being developed to address this critical issue.
Setting the stage for the importance of fall prevention in older adults and the role of technology.
Understanding Gait and Fall Risk
Gait is a complex process that involves the coordinated movement of multiple body parts, including the legs, hips, and spine. A person’s walking gait can provide valuable insights into their overall health and mobility. Gait assessment is a critical component of fall risk evaluation, as it can help identify individuals who are at risk of falling. Gait patterns can be affected by a range of factors, including age, disease, and injury. Abnormal gait patterns can increase the risk of falls, making gait assessment a crucial tool in fall prevention.Explanation of gait, its assessment, and how it relates to fall risk.
Fall Prevention for Older Adults in a Smartphone?
Fall prevention for seniors has just gotten high tech. Falls are the number one independence robber of seniors. Find technology that can help you create a fall prevention plan.
SmartGait: Pioneering Fall Prevention Technology for Seniors
The landscape of fall prevention for seniors is evolving with cutting-edge technology. Did you know that in the United States, one in three individuals aged 65 and older experiences a fall each year? Falls stand as the primary threat to seniors’ independence, with over 2 million non-fatal falls resulting in emergency room visits, and over 500,000 of these cases leading to hospital admissions.
Thanks to a dedicated team of researchers at Purdue University, who specialize in applied sciences, a portable smartphone tool is poised to revolutionize fall prevention. These researchers will unveil their groundbreaking findings at the International Society for Posture and Gait Research 2014 World Congress, an esteemed international conference in Canada this July.
Babak Ziaie, a professor at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, collaborated with the team to create the innovative smartphone tool known as “GaitSmart.”
This portable device is designed to be worn at the waist and serves as a comprehensive measurement tool, assessing gait length (the distance between the tip of one’s front and back foot), gait width (the distance between the feet), and walking speed. This device provides a comprehensive gait assessment, measuring various parameters to identify fall risk.
Currently, there is no practical method to monitor this information as individuals go about their daily activities. Professor Ziaie’s motivation for this project stemmed from a personal tragedy—a fall that his grandfather experienced, ultimately leading to his passing.
SmartGait employs colored “foot markers” worn on the tip of each shoe, allowing the smartphone app to accurately record and measure an individual’s gait parameters. The team verified the effectiveness of GaitSmart by comparing it to a “gold standard” laboratory system, demonstrating its impressive accuracy in calculating step length (95%) and width length (90%).
The potential applications of this innovative device extend beyond fall prevention. It could prove invaluable for individuals dealing with balance-affecting conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, GaitSmart has the potential to become an essential tool for healthcare professionals conducting gait assessments in the field.
In contrast to the current costly equipment used for gait assessments, which can run into tens of thousands of dollars, GaitSmart offers a cost-effective solution that can be worn during everyday activities. Fall prevention for seniors through such technology presents numerous benefits, including the preservation of independence and the prevention of debilitating injuries. The future holds exciting possibilities, with a pending patent application through the Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization.
Here are three gait assessment phone apps designed for seniors, which can help monitor and improve their walking patterns:
- OneStep: This app uses the smartphone’s sensors to track and analyze a person's walking gait, providing insights into your gait and overall mobility for fall prevention. It offers a comprehensive platform that includes exercises and personalized feedback to improve walking and prevent falls.
- SilverSneakers GO: Although primarily a fitness app, SilverSneakers GO provides seniors with walking exercises and programs that can improve gait and general mobility. This app is especially beneficial for seniors looking to integrate more activity into their daily routine.
- MapMyWalk: By Under Armour, this app is great for tracking and improving walking habits. It allows seniors to monitor their routes, pace, and duration, providing a detailed overview of each walk. While it’s more general and not solely focused on seniors, its simple interface and detailed metrics make it suitable for monitoring gait and overall fitness.
These apps are useful tools for seniors to maintain and enhance their mobility, contributing to a healthier lifestyle. Conducting gait assessments on a regular basis using these apps can help seniors monitor their health and take timely preventive actions.
Smartphone App Features
The SmartGait app is designed to provide users with a comprehensive gait analysis and fall risk assessment. The app features a user-friendly interface that allows users to easily navigate and understand their gait patterns. Some of the key features of the app include:
- Gait Tracking: Utilizing the smartphone’s camera, the app meticulously tracks and analyzes different gaits, offering precise measurements of step length, step width, and walking speed. This real-time tracking helps in understanding the nuances of one’s gait.
- Gait Analysis: The app delves deep into the user’s gait patterns, providing a detailed report on their gait cycle. It covers various planes of movement, including the sagittal plane, frontal plane, and transverse plane, ensuring a thorough analysis.
- Fall Risk Assessment: By evaluating the user’s gait patterns, the app assesses their fall risk and offers personalized recommendations for preventive action. This proactive approach helps in mitigating potential fall risks.
- Customizable Reports: Users can generate customizable reports that can be shared with healthcare professionals or family members. These reports provide valuable insights into the user’s gait and fall risk, facilitating better-informed decisions.
- Integration with Wearable Devices: The app can seamlessly integrate with wearable devices such as smartwatches or fitness trackers. This integration provides a more comprehensive picture of the user’s gait and fall risk, enhancing the overall assessment.
SmartGait App Overview
The SmartGait app is a cutting-edge solution for fall prevention and gait analysis. The app uses a smartphone camera to capture a person’s walking gait, providing a comprehensive assessment of their gait patterns. The app’s unique features include:
- Gait Cycle Analysis: The app analyzes the gait cycle, including the sagittal plane, to identify potential issues.
- Fall Risk Assessment: The app assesses the risk of falls based on gait patterns and other factors.
- Personalized Recommendations: The app provides personalized recommendations for improving gait and reducing fall risk.
- Regular Monitoring: The app allows for regular monitoring of gait patterns, enabling early detection of changes in health.
The SmartGait app is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals, older adults, and individuals with compromised balance. By providing a comprehensive assessment of gait patterns and fall risk, the app enables preventive action to be taken, reducing the risk of falls and improving overall health.
A comprehensive look at the SmartGait app and its unique features.
User Experience and Engagement
The SmartGait app is designed to provide users with an engaging and user-friendly experience. The app features a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate and understand their gait patterns. Some of the key features that enhance user experience and engagement include:
- Personalized Feedback: The app offers personalized feedback on users’ gait patterns and fall risk, helping them understand their results and take preventive action. This tailored feedback ensures that users receive relevant and actionable insights.
- Goal Setting: Users can set goals for improving their gait and reducing their fall risk. This feature provides a sense of motivation and accomplishment, encouraging users to actively work towards better gait health.
- Progress Tracking: The app tracks users’ progress over time, offering a visual representation of their improvements. This continuous tracking provides a sense of achievement and motivates users to keep improving their gait.
- Educational Resources: The app includes a wealth of educational resources and tips on how to improve gait and reduce fall risk. These resources empower users with knowledge, helping them make informed decisions about their health.
Security and Privacy
The SmartGait app takes the security and privacy of its users seriously. The app features robust security measures to protect user data, including:
- Encryption: All user data, including gait patterns and fall risk assessments, is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. This ensures that sensitive information remains secure.
- Secure Servers: User data is stored on secure servers protected by firewalls and other advanced security measures. This infrastructure safeguards data against potential breaches.
- Anonymization: The app anonymizes user data to prevent the identification of individual users. This additional layer of privacy ensures that personal information remains confidential.
- Compliance with Regulations: The app complies with all relevant regulations, including HIPAA and GDPR, to ensure the security and privacy of user data. This compliance demonstrates the app’s commitment to maintaining high standards of data protection
Conclusion
The SmartGait app is a comprehensive gait analysis and fall risk assessment tool that provides users with personalized feedback and recommendations for preventive action. The app features a user-friendly interface, customizable reports, and integration with wearable devices, making it a valuable tool for older adults and people with compromised balance. By providing users with a better understanding of their gait patterns and fall risk, the SmartGait app can help prevent falls and improve overall health and well-being.
Sources. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/278397.php
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Diane Carbo
Diane Carbo
Diane Carbo
