Falls management: detection and prevention, using a waist-mounted triaxial accelerometer

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2007:2007:4037-40. doi: 10.1109/IEMBS.2007.4353219.

Abstract

We describe a distributed falls management system capable of real-time falls detection in an unsupervised living context and remote longitudinal tracking of falls risk parameters using a waist-mounted triaxial accelerometer. A self-administrable falls risk assessment is used to facilitate falls prevention. A web-interface allows clinicians to monitor the status of individuals and track their compliance with exercise interventions. Early identification of increased falls risk allows targeted interventions to be promptly administered. Real-time detection of falls allows immediate emergency response protocols to be deployed, reducing morbidity and increasing the independence of the community-dwelling elderly community.

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / prevention & control*
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Homes for the Aged*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Telemetry / instrumentation*
  • Telemetry / methods*