Recognising critical situations in elderly people at risk of falling
Prof. Dr. med. Tania Zieschang (Geriatric Medicine)
Prof. Dr. Dr. Birger Kollmeier (Physics, Medicine)
Lea Feld (Medical Physics)
The development of gait disorders and limited gait adaptability is usually gradual and, in the worst case, can lead to a fall. Early detection of gait instability with the help of hearables would therefore have a high preventive value.
The aim of the PhD project is to record gait perturbations and evaluate individual reactions to such perturbations (reactive dynamic balance). In addition, situations with a dual task load – such as conversations or active listening – are to be investigated, as such everyday situations can impair gait. The current physical stress level also has an influence on gait behavior. The heart rate should therefore be recorded as a supplementary indicator.
The identification of unstable gait patterns and reduced reactive dynamic balance can help to specifically adapt behavior in critical situations or select individually suitable interventions to effectively reduce the risk of gait instability and falls.