Assessing the control of balance in older adults using sensing technology

• Grant number: 14/23059-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: March 02, 2015
• End date: March 01, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Débora Bevilaqua Grossi
• Grantee: Gabriela Ferreira Carvalho
• Supervisor: Paolo Bonato
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Harvard University, Boston, United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 12/20046-2 - Changes in functional balance in patients with chronic and episodic migraine, BP.DR

Abstract

Background: Most the tools of clinic assessment of the balance are subjective, with poor validity and reliability. Therefore laboratory protocols of balance and gait involve expensive, highly technical and non-portable equipment. Recent wearable and sensing technologies have been developed in order to quantify balance and gait more sensitively and objectively than clinical examinations, and in the same time being portable, low cost, easy to use, and lightweight.Objectives: to assess the balance control of older adults using wearable sensors and validate the measures using camera-based motion capture system.Methods: Center of pressure (COP) variables of older adults and young controls will be assessed with 3-D accelerometers, mounted on the posterior trunk at the level of L5, near the body center of mass, during three 30s trials of quiet standing with open and closed eyes. The variables will be validated based in the camera-based motion capture system, with a reflective marker attached to the right shoulder of each subject. The comparison between the groups will be determined by using a t-test (p<0.05) and the correlation between the balance assessment tools will be determined by Pearson's Correlation Test.Expected Results: To contribute to the knowledge of accessible technologies with new clinical tools for assessing balance control, that is very important in bridging the gap between research on balance in older adults and its application to clinical practice. (AU)