Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 36 No. 7 July 2010
By Myra A. Aud, PhD, RN; Carmen C. Abbott, PhD, PT; Harry W. Tyrer, PhD; Rohan Vasantha Neelgund, BE; Uday G. Shriniwar, BE; Ashrafuddin Mohammed, BTech; Krishna Kishor Devarakonda, BTech
ABSTRACT
Cognitive deficits experienced by older adults with dementia limit use of wearable devices (necklaces or bracelets) that summon assistance after the older adult falls. To use these wearable devices, older adults must choose to wear them, remember how to use them, and be conscious after falling. Devices such as the Smart Carpet substitute pre-programmed or automatic functions for functions requiring deliberation and decision. After development of a Smart Carpet prototype, 11 volunteers participated in tests to measure sensitivity of sensors embedded in the Smart Carpet. The embedded sensors were not perceptible to the volunteers as they walked across the Smart Carpet and successfully detected gait characteristics. Findings confirmed the feasibility of fall detection. Measurements obtained of gait characteristics will be used in development of more advanced versions of the Smart Carpet.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Aud is Associate Professor, Sinclair School of Nursing, Dr. Abbott is Clinical Associate Professor, School of Health Professions, Dr. Tyrer is Professor, Mr. Neelgund, Mr. Shriniwar, Mr. Mohammed, and Mr. Devarakonda are Graduate Research Assistants, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. This work was supported in part by the Alzheimer’s Association Everyday Technologies for Alzheimer Care grant program.
Address correspondence to Myra A. Aud, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, S422, Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211; e-mail: audm@missouri.edu.
Posted: June 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/00989134-20100602-02
