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Review
. 2007 Feb 6;4(1):3-12.
doi: 10.1007/s10433-007-0041-9. eCollection 2007 Mar.

Mobility assessment in older people: new possibilities and challenges

Wiebren Zijlstra  1 , Kamiar Aminian  2
Affiliations
Review

Mobility assessment in older people: new possibilities and challenges

Wiebren Zijlstra et al. Eur J Ageing. .

Abstract

A major challenge for researchers and clinicians who address health issues in the ageing population is to monitor functioning, and to timely initiate interventions that aim to prevent loss of functional abilities and to improve the quality of life of older people. With the progress of technologies in the last decades, methods have become available that use body fixed sensors (BFS) to measure aspects of human performance under real-life conditions. These methods are based on the use of miniaturised and integrated sensors in combination with lightweight, small measuring devices that both can be carried on the body without interfering with normal behaviour. This paper addresses the potential relevance of new technology for monitoring motor function in older people, thereby specifically focusing on mobility assessment. After a short introduction with background information about BFS based technology, this paper identifies areas of particular relevance, and discusses the application of ambulatory techniques for long-term monitoring of daily physical activity, fall detectors, fall risk evaluation, and assessment of motor performance such as gait and balance control. Examples are given how these techniques can become clinically relevant, particularly in the context of fall interventions for older people.

Keywords: Activity monitoring; Ageing; Assessment; Body fixed sensors; Mobility.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Schematised representation of factors contributing to increases or decreases in fall risk
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
During rest the orientation of body segments can be detected by accelerometers
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Foot pressure sensors or foot switches attached under the foot allow estimation of onset and termination of stance and swing phases during walking
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Example of an ambulatory recording device, including sensors, electronics, memory and batteries
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Typical results for long-term monitoring of physical activity showing frequency and duration of specific postures and walking periods
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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