Portable and Affordable Balance Assessment System for Fall Management
摘要
Fall-related injuries are a leading cause of death in older adults, exacerbated by poor balance, weakened muscles, and environmental hazards. Current balance assessments like the Berg Balance Scale and the Mini-BEST have significant limitations: they exhibit ceiling effects, fail to detect subtle impairments that impact daily activities, and suffer from subjectivity that leads to inconsistent results influenced by variables like a patient’s fear of falling. Consequently, there is a pressing need for a faster, more objective method that is accessible in various settings. Based on the Limit of Stability (LOS) assessment method, this project developed a sophisticated device to objectively determine a patient’s LOS. It uses a system of load cells to calculate the center of balance and combines cameras with green-light-lit tempered glass to measure the base of support. The device was tested with 12 Tai Chi practitioner volunteers, who had an average age of 63.30 ± 6.54. The volunteers were asked to maintain their daily Tai Chi practice, and their balance scores were assessed weekly using the developed device. The measurement results indicate an improvement in their balance with a lower reaction time (1.45 ± 0.25 at week 0 compared to 1.15 ± 0.21 at week 6), improved directional control (58.38 ± 4.99 at week 0, and 54.42 ± 2.09 at week 6), as well as maintaining maximum excursion value but these improvements were not significant as independent t-test shown p > 0.05. The device’s performance is promising for the future development of a self-administered balance assessment and training system. It is envisioned that the device can be optimized not only for clinical settings but also for in-home use, enabling everyone to benefit from early and timely balance management.