Falls Prevention Horizon Scanning Bulletin Volume 4 Issue 12

Can sacral marker approximate centre of mass during slip-fall recovery?

Source: Journal of Biomechanics, 2014, online

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: October 2014

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Stability of the body’s centre of mass is essential for maintaining balance. This study was to determine the extent that the COM position derived from the body segmental analysis can be approximated by a single (sacral) marker during regular and perturbed walking. It found that there were detectable differences between the COM and sacral, and that the sacral marker can be used as a simple approximation of body COM for regular walking (and to a lesser extent during perturbed walking).

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Falls among adults aging with disabilities

Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2014, online

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: October 2014

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This was a cross-sectional survey to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for falling among individuals aging with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome and spinal cord injury. It found that people with long term physical disabilities present unique problems that can influence their risk of falls. Therefore falls prevention techniques and management programmes need to be customised for these individuals.

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Can stability predict an impending slip-related fall among older adults?

Source: Journal of Biomechanics, 2014, online

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: October 2014

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: The main purpose of this study was to test various types of stability as to whether they could predict falls during normal walking in community-dwelling older adults. Full motion-capture was used in conjunction with safety harnesses to test the various parameters. The study found that few variables could differentiate fallers from non- fallers.

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Factors associated with night-falling in older people with hip fractures

Source: European Geriatric Medicine, 2014, online

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: November 2014

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This study examined factors associated with the night-time fall index in a sample of older patients with hip fractures, focusing on the effects of nocturia, which can significantly affect older people. It found that falling on the way to the bathroom, severe nocturia and mobility impairment were independently associated with night-time falls in these patients.

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Recognition of gait cycle phases using wearable sensors

Source: Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 2014, online

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: October 2014

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This paper looks at the normal cycle of walking and gait using pressure and force measurements to ultimately help predict abnormal walking patterns which could lead to falling.

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Diabetes and Falls Prevention: researchers work with seniors

Source: News America Media

Follow this link for full text

Date of publication: November 24th 2014

Publication type: News article

In a nutshell: Researchers in Virginia work with senior citizens to prevent falls risk associated with diabetes.

Length of publication: one page

Kinesis to provide falls prevention service in partnership with Spectrum Health

Source: Business & Leadership

Follow this link for the full text

Date of publication: 2nd December 2014

Publication type: News article

In a nutshell: Health services provider Spectrum Health and med-tech start-up Kinesis Health Technologies have entered into a partnership to deliver a falls prevention service in Ireland called Falls Action, the aim of which is to identify individuals at risk of falling and facilitate early and targeted intervention though exercise and chartered physiotherapy.

Length of publication: One page