AI-powered mobile app for assessing fall risks in older adults
Official title: AVA_ AI Video-Based Mobile Application for Reliable, Accessible, and Low-Cost Fall Risk Assessments of Older Adults
Funded at Foresightcares INC. · NIH-11005668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new mobile app called AVA that helps older adults check their risk of falling right at home, using their smartphone's camera to look at things like how they walk and balance, making it easier and more affordable for families to keep their loved ones safe.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Foresightcares INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Matthews, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $400,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AG090129-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults living independently or in assisted living communities, as well as their caregivers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older adults or those who do not have access to a smartphone may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research develops AVA, an innovative mobile application that uses artificial intelligence to assess fall risks in older adults from the comfort of their homes. By utilizing the built-in cameras and processing power of smartphones, AVA evaluates important factors like gait, balance, and strength without the need for professional supervision. This approach aims to make fall risk assessments more accessible and affordable, particularly for caregivers and family members of older adults. The app operates entirely on-device, ensuring user privacy and ease of use, while also aligning with CDC guidelines for fall assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a reliable and low-cost method for older adults to assess their fall risk, potentially reducing the incidence of falls and related injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using technology for fall risk assessments, but AVA's specific AI-driven approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Foresightcares INC.
Matthews, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tabkhi, Hamed — Foresightcares INC.
- Study coordinator: Tabkhi, Hamed
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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SmartGait: a smartphone AI tool to predict fall risk for older adults
A smartphone app uses AI to analyze a simple gait test and predict when a person may fall, helping clinicians tailor prevention for older adults.
-
Reducing Fall Risk with Hip Hip Abductor Stimulation During Balance Training
This project tests whether using electrical stimulation on the hip abductors during balance training helps older veterans improve balance and reduce fall risk.
-
Real-life Dual-Task Training for Older Adults at Risk to Fall
A pilot program tests a six-week real-life dual-task training program to help older adults reduce fall risk while doing everyday activities.
-
Smartphone coaching to prevent falls after stroke and train researchers
A smartphone-based coaching tool is being developed to help stroke survivors move more safely and reduce fall risk, with training opportunities for students at a major technical university.
-
STEADI-based Fall Prevention in Assisted Living Facilities
A plan to test a step-by-step fall-prevention program in eight assisted living facilities to see if it reduces falls, how well it works in real settings, and whether it makes economic sense.
-
Preventing Falls in Older Adults Using Floor Vibrations to Detect Falls and Gait Changes
A new approach aims to detect falls and gait changes in people aged 65 and older by analyzing floor vibrations, with the goal of preventing injuries and reducing fall-related costs.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.