An Observational Trial of Ambulatory Monitoring of Elderly Patients
Authors: J. Boyle, M. Karunanithi, T. Wark, W. Chan, C. Colavitti
Date: December 2005
Abstract:
We describe a prospective observational non-randomised study on the use of ambulatory monitoring devices designed to record patient movement. The aim was to evaluate three accelerometer devices for their efficacy in measuring patient information relevant for (a) falls assessment and (b) stroke rehabilitation progress. Fifteen patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation (mean age 67 +/- 18 years) participated in the study. Patient enrolment was on the basis of high falls risk, including elderly patients, patients undergoing rehabilitation following stroke, and patients who were receiving vasodilators, anti-arrhythmic and diuretic medication resulting in lowering of blood pressure.
Over the 95 day trial, there were four falls experienced by two patients, and hence statistically insufficient data to develop an algorithm to predict a fall or falls risk. However the trial indicated that the devices were able to accurately and reliably capture data about a rehabilitation patient's motion at successive points in time, with minimal discomfort to the patient. Post trial evaluation by the rehabilitation team indicates support for integration of accelerometers into clinical practice, as benefits were realised in analysing gait as an indicator of rehabilitation progress and patient movement classification.
Publisher: © 2005 CSIRO Australia
12th International Conference on Biomedical Engineering (ICBME),
Singapore, 7-10 December 2005
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