Validation of a Laser Ranged Scanner-Based Detection of Spatio-Temporal Gait Parameters Using the aTUG Chair.

This article covers the suitability to measure gait-parameters via a Laser Range Scanner (LRS) that was placed below a chair during the walking phase of the Timed Up&Go Test in a cohort of 92 older adults (mean age 73.5). The results of our study demonstrated a high concordance of gait measurements using a LRS in comparison to the reference GAITRite walkway.

Validation of the ambient TUG chair with light barriers and force sensors in a clinical trial.

To initiate appropriate interventions and avoid physical decline, comprehensive measurements are needed to detect functional changes in elderly people at the earliest possible stage. The established Timed Up&Go (TUG) test takes little time and, due to its standardized and easy procedure, can be conducted by elderly people in their own homes without clinical guidance. Therefore, cheap light barriers (LBs) and force sensors (FSs) are well suited ambient sensors that could easily be attached to existing (arm)chairs to measure and report TUG times in order to identify functional decline.

Performing gait analysis within the timed up & go assessment test: comparison of aTUG to a marker-based tracking system.

Results from a technical validation of the aTUG (ambient Timed Up & Go) system are presented. The approach's gait analysis capabilities were compared to a gold standard: SIMI Motion, a marker-based motion tracking system. Seven people participated and computation of step length and step duration happened with a median error of 3 cm (IQR 3 cm) respectively 0.

Working with a domestic assessment system to estimate the need of support and care of elderly and disabled persons: results from field studies.

This article describes the results of field studies performed over a period between five months and 24 months. The objectives of these studies were to collect long-term real-life data to evaluate how these data can be mapped to items on standardized assessment tests and which presentation method is most suitable to inform caregivers about critical situations and changes in health or care needs. A Home-monitoring system which uses modern sensor technologies was developed for and used in these field studies.