Researchers at Virginia Tech are utilizing wrist-worn voice recorders to collect real-world data on balance loss in order to gain a better understanding of what happens when individuals lose their balance. Led by Michael Madigan in the College of Engineering, the study builds on previous research conducted by the University of Michigan Medical School. Traditional methods of collecting data on balance loss involved asking participants to recall incidents, which could be unreliable. The use of voice recorders allows participants to immediately record their experiences after balance loss, providing more accurate and detailed information.
The findings of the study, recently published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, demonstrate how voice recorders effectively capture the circumstances surrounding balance loss among older adults. Participants, who were around 72 years old on average, wore voice recorders on their wrists for three weeks and activated them to answer questions when they experienced a balance loss. This immediate, self-reported data was then analyzed by Madigan and his team, eliminating the need for participants to recall incidents weeks or months later, when memory could be unreliable.
The study involved 30 participants, and the data collected provided valuable insight into the circumstances in which people lose their balance. By understanding the context in which balance loss occurs, researchers can develop strategies to intervene before falls occur. This real-world data collection method not only provides detailed information on how individuals lose their balance but also enables researchers to identify the reasons why balance loss occurs, allowing for targeted interventions to reduce the risk of falls.
One study participant, Maria Moll, a retired epidemiologist, found participating in the research to be particularly meaningful, especially as someone in her 70s who values physical fitness and balance. The study made Moll more aware of her movements, especially during challenging activities like hiking. This research not only benefits the participants involved but also has the potential to contribute to advancements in balance-loss prevention and improve the quality of life for older adults.
In the future, the research team plans to expand the study to include larger groups of participants and integrate the real-world data collected with other lab-based measurements. By combining different types of data, researchers aim to identify individuals who are at highest risk of balance loss and develop proactive interventions to address those risks. This approach could provide clinicians with more reliable and detailed information to inform strategies for preventing falls and improving overall balance and mobility in older adults.
In conclusion, the use of wrist-worn voice recorders for collecting real-world data on balance loss offers a promising opportunity to gain deeper insights into the circumstances surrounding falls among older adults. By leveraging this innovative technology, researchers can gather accurate and detailed information on balance loss incidents, allowing for the development of targeted interventions to prevent falls and improve mobility in older populations. This research has the potential to significantly impact the field of geriatrics and contribute to enhancing the quality of life for older adults by mitigating the risks associated with balance loss and falls.