Saf Health Work.  2012 Sep;3(3):192-198.

Fall Risk Assessments Based on Postural and Dynamic Stability Using Inertial Measurement Unit

• Liu J
• Zhang X
• Lockhart T

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Slip and fall accidents in the workplace are one of the top causes of work related fatalities and injuries. Previous studies have indicated that fall risk was related to postural and dynamic stability. However, the usage of this theoretical relationship was limited by laboratory based measuring instruments. The current study proposed a new method for stability assessment by use of inertial measurement units (IMUs).
METHODS
Accelerations at different body parts were recorded by the IMUs. Postural and local dynamic stability was assessed from these measures and compared with that computed from the traditional method.
RESULTS
The results demonstrated: 1) significant differences between fall prone and healthy groups in IMU assessed dynamic stability; and 2) better power of discrimination with multi stability index assessed by IMUs.
CONCLUSION
The findings can be utilized in the design of a portable screening or monitoring tool for fall risk assessment in various industrial settings.

Keyword

Fall risk; Accelerometer; Postural stability; Local dynamic stability

MeSH Terms

Acceleration
Discrimination (Psychology)
Human Body
Mass Screening
Risk Assessment