Sensitivity of Apple Watch fall detection feature among wheelchair users. Issue 5 (3rd September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abou, Libak; Fliflet, Alexander; Hawari, Lina; Presti, Peter; Sosnoff, Jacob J.; Mahajan, Harshal P.; Frechette, Mikaela L.; Rice, Laura A.
• Is Part Of: Assistive technology. Volume 34:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: 619
• Page End: 625
• Publication Date: 2022-09-03
• Subjects: Apple Watch -- falls -- sensitivity -- technology -- wheelchair; Self-help devices for people with disabilities -- Periodicals; Medicine, Physical -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Biomedical Engineering -- instrumentation -- Periodicals; 617.03305
• DOI: 10.1080/10400435.2021.1923087
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1040-0435

Abstract

ABSTRACT: A reliable fall detection device is crucial to minimize long-term consequences of falls among wheelchair users. This study examines the sensitivity of Apple Watch to detect intentional falls from a wheelchair. Twenty-five able bodied (age: 21.9 ± 2.5 years) participated in a protocol in which they intentionally fell out of a wheelchair in a laboratory setting. Each participant wore an Apple Watch Series 5 and performed 3 falls in the forward, right and left sideways, and backward directions onto a crash pad totaling 12 falls each. The Apple Watch was manually checked after each fall to determine if the device registered a fall. From 300 fall trials captured, the Apple Watch detected 14 falls showing a sensitivity of 4.7%, a false negative rate of 95.3%. Logistic regression showed that participant's height, impact force, lower limb functioning, and fall direction are parameters that may influence the ability of the Apple Watch to detect falls from a wheelchair. The Apple Watch fall detection feature presented with a very poor sensitivity to detect intentional falls from a wheelchair among able bodied young adults. Due to the high incidence and consequences of falls, a reliable fall detection device specific for wheelchair users is warranted.