Kimberly Edginton BigelowUniversity of DaytonEngineering Wellness and Safety Laboratory

September 22, 2011

Fall Prevention Efforts at the University of Dayton

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The UD Engineering Wellness and Safety Lab focuses on balance as a fall risk-factor.

Individuals with balance impairment are 1.6 – 5.4 times more likely to fall.

AGS, BGS, AAOS. JAGS. 2001.

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Increased amount of sway or speed of sway is often the sign of balance deficit/increased fall risk.

Using engineering tools, we can measure balance deficits and improvements.

0 10 20 30 40 50 60-0.015

-0.01

-0.005

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0.015

Time (s)

M/L

CoP

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M/L Center of Pressure

0 10 20 30 40 50 600.01

0.015

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Time (s)

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CoP

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A/P Center of Pressure

-0.015 -0.01 -0.005 0 0.005 0.01 0.0150.01

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0.02

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M/L CoP Displacement (m)

A/P

CoP

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Center of Pressure Stabilogram

Through this type of research we were able to develop a method for clinical screening fall risk.

We also examined the effect of carrying grocery bags on postural stability.

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We also focus on improving balance in neurological populations at high risk of falls – Kickboxing & MS

Pre – and Post – Program Measures:

•Timed Up & Go (TUG)

•Berg Balance Scale (BBS

•Dynamic Gait Index (DGI)

•Ten Meter Walk Test

•Activities of Balance

Confidence Scale(ABC)

•Posturography – A/P and M/L

COP Sway Range

•mCTSIB (30 seconds

each trial)

•Limits of Stability (2

trials)

Jackson, Edginton-Bigelow, et al. JBMT 2011

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We’re also looking at monitoring physical movement in the real world

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We look forward to connecting with you!

Kimberly E. Bigelow, PhDDepartment of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringEngineering Wellness and Safety Lab

937-229-2918Kimberly.Bigelow@udayton.edu