CAPTURING REAL-WORLD LOSSES OF BALANCE AND RECOVERY RESPONSES IN OLDER ADULTS AT RISK FOR FALLS. (8th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alexander, Neil; Handelzalts-Pereg, Shirley; Nyquist, Linda; Strasburg, Debbie; Mastruserio, Nicholas; Ojeda, Lauro
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 3(2019)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S9
• Page End: S9
• Publication Date: 2019-11-08
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igz038.030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Losses of balance (LOBs) such as trips can lead to falls in older adults; what actually happens during real-world LOBs is unclear. With 4 wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs), we recorded feet, trunk and wrist movements over 2 weeks. Using a wrist voice recorder to report the LOBs, we applied our IMU processing algorithms and reconstructed the full body LOB and recovery motions. We recruited 7 at-risk older adults (M=76 yrs) who reported 114 LOBs of which we reconstructed over 90%. Using a rating system, 52% of the LOBs involved a significant trip, stumble, recovery step, and/or large trunk motion. 25% involved double or stutter steps and smaller trunk motions. The other 23% had less striking associated motions. These data suggest that most, but not all, self-reported real world LOBs involve substantial postural destabilization and near falls. Analyses of the voice-recorded context under which the LOBs occurred are ongoing.