The iCARE Feasibility Study

The Intelligent Community Active Rehab for the Elderly Study Feasibility Study

Conducting assessment lower limb muscle strength, power and joint range of movement as well as inertial measurement unit (IMU) data capture during periods of walking and activities of daily living (sit to stand, stand to sit, climbing stairs) in participants over the age of 65. Assessing to see if there is any correlation between prospective follow up for incidence of fall events and patterns observed in the IMU data of the subject and to assess if the IMU data observed that results in higher or lower incidence of falls is related to any particular pattern in lower limb muscle strength, power and joint range of movement data.

Research Question:

• What is the feasibility of conducting a large scale study to identify modifiable musculoskeletal factors, increasing the risk of falls in older adults; that can be detected in mobility data collected from a wearable device worn during activities of daily living?

Primary aim:

• To collect feasibility data on study processes, resource and management.

Secondary aims:

• Assess the preliminary efficacy of 'Wearable technology' in predicting falls risk in older adults during activities of daily living.
• Assess the preliminary efficacy of identifying musculoskeletal factors predisposing to mobility issues that are associated with or protective against falls.
• Assess the preliminary efficacy of specifically treating these musculoskeletal factors compared with traditional care?

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged over 65 years of age
• Able to give informed consent
• Able to mobilise independently or with mobility aid (walking stick, Zimmer frame etc.)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients under the age of 65.
• Patients who are bedbound or wheelchair bound.
• Patients with cognitive impairment and are unable to give informed consent.
• Significant medical co-morbidities that make participation in the study unsafe.