Using wearable devices to evaluate fall risk in older adults
Using Consumer-grade Wearable Devices for Fall Risk Evaluation and Alerts
This study is testing a new smartphone app that uses wearable devices to help older adults check their risk of falling so they can take steps to stay safe.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Flint, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06508892 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to create a smartphone application that assesses the fall risk of older adults using consumer-grade wearable devices. It consists of three phases: first, comparing data from smartphones with gold-standard wearable sensors during balance and gait activities; second, developing a model that integrates sensor data and individual characteristics to evaluate fall risk; and third, designing a mobile app that allows older adults to self-administer fall risk assessments. The goal is to provide timely and frequent evaluations of fall risk to help prevent falls in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 65 years or older who are interested in assessing their fall risk.
Not a fit: Patients who have experienced a fall in the past six months or have certain neurological or orthopedic conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could empower older adults to monitor their fall risk more frequently and take preventive measures.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using wearable technology for health assessments, but this specific approach to fall risk evaluation is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 65 years or older Exclusion Criteria: * have been diagnosed with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, or have had a stroke in the last year * have orthopedic or cardiopulmonary conditions and/or surgeries in the past year * have physical limitations that would make it difficult or uncomfortable for individuals to perform the experimental tasks.
Where this trial is running
Flint, Michigan
- University of Michigan-Flint — Flint, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer Liao, PT, Ph.D. — University of Michigan-Flint
- Study coordinator: Nathan Miller, Ph.D.
- Email: natmille@umich.edu
- Phone: 810-762-3234
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.