Accidental Falls
Conditions
Keywords
Accidental Falls, Primary prevention, Pressure platform, Inertial Sensor
Brief summary
Fall prevention programs should include strength and balance training, home hazard assessment and intervention, vision assessment and referral and also medication review with modification/withdrawal. Evidence exists that a tailored exercise program can reduce falls by as much as 54%. Several studies recognize the benefits of the Otago Exercise Program (OEP) on physical functioning and falls reduction in older people. The program includes strength and balance exercises with a difficulty level progression by increasing weights and number of repetitions, in association with a walking plan. FallSensing clinical tool includes a software, a pressure platform and two inertial sensors. The software includes a range of exercises based on Otago Exercise Program, including warming, balance and strength exercises. The software allows that healthcare professional prescribes a tailored exercise program according to the individual needs. During exercise performance, pressure distribution can be analysed by the healthcare professional, providing real time feedback to the individual.
Interventions
OTHERFallSensing Clinical Tool
FallSensing clinical tool will be applied to a group of community-dwelling adults aged 50 years or over, including a initial evaluation, 24 intervention sessions (2 or 3 sessions per week) and a final evaluation. Inicial and final evaluation consists in six functional tests (Grip Strength, Timed Up and Go, 30 seconds Sit-to-Stand, Step test, 4 Stage Balance test modified and 10 meters Walking Speed) and a questionnaire concerning self-efficacy for exercise.
Sponsors
Sensing Future Technologies
Fraunhofer Portugal Research Center for Assistive Information and Communication Solutions
Anabela Correia Martins
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
50 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* adults aged 50 years or over; * Community-dweller * independent to be standing and walking, with or without walking aids, * interest to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria
* individuals with severe sensorial impairments (deafness or blindness) * individuals with cognitive impairments which precludes the ability to comprehend the questionnaire, functional tests and exercises included in the protocol.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Timed Up and Go | Change from baseline time to perform TUG up to 12 weeks | seconds |
| Self-efficacy for Exercise | Change from baseline Self-efficacy for exercise score up to 12 weeks | Score 5 to 20 points |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Step Test | Outset and up to 12 weeks | number of steps |
| Grip Strength | Outset and up to 12 weeks | Kilogram-force |
| 10 meters Walking Speed | Outset and up to 12 weeks | meters per second |
| 4 Stage Balance Test Modified | Outset and up to 12 weeks | last position accomplished |
| 30 seconds Sit-to-Stand | Outset and up to 12 weeks | number of stands |
Countries
Portugal
Contacts
Primary ContactAnabela C Martins, PhD
Outcome results
None listed