Challenges of Biomechanical Data Capture in an Anthropometrically Diverse Geriatric Population at Risk for Falls. Issue 1 (June 2013) - Doig, Alexa
A range of methodological challenges were encountered during a biomechanical study of 56 older adults ranging from ages 50-95 years of age. The sample included individuals with strength and gait impairments who were at risk for falls and fall-related injury. Methodological and participant-related issues encountered during data collection were 1) preventing falls and fall-related injuries, 2) difficulty with osteological landmark palpation and retroreflective marker placement due to obesity, 3) retroreflective marker obstruction by body fat and clothing, as well as the safety harness, hospital bed and other structures in the motion capture space, 4) marker loss during in-bed movements, 5) participant fatigue and instability necessitating trial modification. The development of a customized fall arrest system and other solutions will be discussed.