An AI 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-11233667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a friendly app called AVA that helps check if older adults might be at risk of falling, using their smartphones to look at how they walk and balance, so they can stay safe at home without needing a doctor to be there.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $55,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R43AG090129-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11233667 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 smartphones may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing AVA, an AI-powered mobile application designed to assess fall risks in older adults from the comfort of their homes. By utilizing the built-in cameras and processing capabilities of smartphones, AVA can evaluate gait, balance, and strength without the need for professional supervision, making it accessible for caregivers and family members. The app aims to provide a reliable and low-cost solution for fall risk assessments, particularly in underserved areas where traditional methods may be limited. The study will validate the app's effectiveness and ensure it meets the needs of older adults living independently.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide older adults and their caregivers with an easy-to-use tool for early detection of fall risks, potentially reducing the incidence of falls and related injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success with AI-assisted assessments in healthcare, indicating a promising potential for this novel approach.
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.
-
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.