Detection of baseline and near-fall postural stability.

It is unknown whether there are any measurable warning signs just before a patient falls. This study of postural position just prior to a fall involved a subject standing on a balance beam while wearing a gyroscope-based wireless data acquisition system. Results show a variation in postural position when the subject appeared stable.

Alternative devices for the quantification of human motion.

Force platforms and video tracking systems have been used to characterize subject movements and resultant forces to identify common characteristics of individuals who have experienced recurring falls. Short-term training using force platforms with feedback has been effective in reducing sway. Because of the expense and size requirements of these systems, researchers have pursued alternate means of quantifying postural motion.