Strategy for Application of Support Object for Fall Prevention in the Elderly Based on Balance Recovery Characteristics

Abstract

This research proposes a strategy for applying support objects—equipment, tools, and even furniture/environment from which humans can receive reaction force through their hands—for fall prevention in the elderly. This paper presents an assessment example of support objects based on balance recovery characteristics and a discussion regarding their application according to the assessment results. The balance recovery characteristics depend on the direction in which reaction force can be obtained based on the shape of the support object and direction in which the force is easily exerted on the hand. Evaluation indices for assessing the height and shape of nonportable support objects and determining a position of the tip on the ground of a cane, a typical portable support object, in the anterior direction are briefly introduced based on the authors’ previous works. The strategy for the application of support objects utilizing the evaluation indices is proposed; better use of support objects, their locations, new-shaped ones, and support devices with a new design concept are discussed and introduced based on the values of the calculated indices according to the type/usage of the support objects.

Physical Exercise Goals of the Elderly through the Analysis of Kinetic and Kinematic Variables of Quick Walking—Results of the Koreans Elderly Using a Motion Analysis System

“…Studies designed to support pedestrians and technical studies related to the elderly's walk focus on the development of assisting devices targeting the elderly with disabilities [4][5][6]. Additionally, there are studies on ways of supporting the elderly's walks using canes or railing [7,8]. However, the majority of the elderly who are able to engage in socioeconomic activities manage to walk on their own instead of receiving support from assisting devices.…”