Fall algorithm development using kinematic parameters measured from simulated falls performed in a quasi-realistic environment using accelerometry

Abstract

This study aims to determine the optimal temporal, angular and acceleration parameters and thresholds for an accelerometer based, chest-worn, fall detection algorithm. In total, 10 healthy male subjects performed 14 different fall types, 3 times by each. The falls were performed onto in a quasi-realistic environment consisting of mats of a minimum thickness. Optimum parameters for; t(falling): time-to-fall, θ(max): max-angle, t(θmax) : max-angle-time, t(RTStanding) : Return-to-standing-time and t(lying) : lying-time were determined using a data set consisting of a total of 420 falls.