The University of British Columbia

Published purpose

Falls by older adults can result in lasting and critical consequences, including, injury, long-term disability, and even death. Screening is the first step in identifying fall risk and preventing future falls by predicting individuals at higher risk. At present, a history of falls and reported abnormalities of gait are found to be the best predictors of future falls. Novel technologies, such as sensors, can be an effective, efficient and economical way to assess fall risk. However, there is a lack of evidence in the use of analyzing gait through sensors to predict falls both in-home and healthcare facilities. UBC will collaborate with NRC to design, develop and trial a smart sensor based solution, and provide clinical, caregiver and patient insights, acceptability and usability testing and validation. This close clinicaltechnical user-centric collaborative approach will innovatively tackle a growing need to reduce the incidence and impact of falls by older adults.