Project

Development and Applications of Daily-use Fall Risk Assessment Device to Prevent Elderly People from Falling

Project Introduction

Developing a daily-use device to measure elderly dynamic balancing ability

Objectives:

Develop algorithms that use AI to assess the risk of falling for older people based on the balancing sensor measurements.
Develop the software and user interface for the falling risk assessment device.
Integrate the sensor hardware and the software for the falling risk assessment device.
Test and evaluate the device for applications in primary care clinics and elderly care centers in Hong Kong.
Promote the falling risk assessment device by assisting and supporting the applications in primary care clinics and elderly care facilities in Hong Kong.

Project Period: July 2022 to June 2024
This project is funded by Innovation and Technology Fund for Better Living

Team Members

Prof. Xi, Ning

Project Coordinator

Lead the development of the hardware and software of the balance sensor and manage the project

Prof. Lou, Vivian Weiqun

Deputy Project Coordinator

Lead the application and promotion of the sensor and fall assessment

Dr. Yuen, Jacqueline Kwan Yuk

Co-Project Investigator

Lead the clinical application and promotion of the sensor and fall assessment

Prof. Lam, Cindy Lo Kuen, MH, JP

Co-Project Investigator

Lead the medical evaluation and verification of the sensor and fall assessment method

Partnership

1. Aberdeen Kai-fong Welfare Association Social Service

Publicity in community and community test for community dweller fall risk assessment

2. Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association

Publicity in community and community test for community dweller fall risk assessment

Product Introduction

The balance sensor is a device for assessing the risk of falling for older adults. It looks like a home-use body weighing scale. By stepping on it and standing still for a couple of minutes, the dynamic force distributions on the person’s feet will be measured. The measurement data will be processed by on-board microprocessor to conclude an assessment of the risk of falling. The results will be presented numerically and qualitively, and displayed on the device or/and announced in voice. As options, the assessment results can be recorded or transmitted to designated places via Internet.

1. Latest Product Pictures

Balance sensor prototype

2. Product Use Procedures

Using the Balance Sensor is simple and straightforward. Just follow these easy steps:

(1) Step onto the sensor

Place the Balance Sensor on a flat, even surface. Step onto the sensor with bare feet, ensuring that your entire foot is in contact with the device.

(2) Stand still with open/closed eyes

Stand still and maintain your balance for a couple of minutes. The Balance Sensor will measure the dynamic force distribution on your feet during this time.

(3) Receive the assessment

The on-board microprocessor will process the measurement data and provide a risk assessment, presented both numerically and qualitatively.

(4) Optional features

Optionally, the assessment results can be recorded for future reference or transmitted to designated places via the Internet, allowing family members and healthcare professionals to monitor the elderly's health and well-being remotely.

Community Engagement

We conduct several publicity in the community and assess balance and fall risk among community dwellers.

Public Talk on 26 September 2022 AKA

Public Talk on 17 March 2023 YWCA

1. Poster for Experiment

2. Contact Information

香港大學秀圃老年研究中心
Sau Po Centre on Aging
The University of Hong Kong

Tel: 5105-0003

Email: ageing@hku.hk