Study of Balance, Walking, and Head Movement in Adults 65 and Older Using Mixed-Reality Technology

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how older adults who fall maintain their balance and walk when their head movements are disturbed. This study focuses on individuals aged 65 and older, aiming to understand the role of frailty, sensory function, and cognitive processing in postural control and gait stability. Since falls are common and dangerous in older adults, understanding balance reactions during movement is important for predicting and preventing falls. Participants are divided into two groups those who have fallen at least twice in the past year and show a high risk of falling, and those who have not fallen and show low fall risk. The study uses mixed-reality devices like the Microsoft HoloLens 2 to track eye and head movements during standing and walking. Various tests assess cognition, sensory functions, frailty, and biomechanical movements, including wearable sensors and diagnostic tests for vestibular and visual functions. During the study, participants undergo baseline evaluations including gait analysis, cognitive tests, and sensory assessments. They are followed for 12 months, during which they keep a fall diary and receive monthly telephone reminders to report any falls. Researchers measure gait parameters, reaction times, head movement accuracy, and fall characteristics to better understand balance and fall risk in older adults. This long-term follow-up helps monitor changes and outcomes related to falls and balance.

Gait and Postural Balance Analysis During Head-motion Perturbed Standing and Walking in Older Adults