FURI | Spring 2018

Analyzing Gait Perturbations to Assess Variability in Dynamic Stability for Fall Risk Assessment

This project seeks to investigate the variability dynamic stability measurements during gait velocity perturbation for fall risk assessment. Much research has been done analyzing static stability, taken when standing still and for individual steps, but little research has been done on stability during dynamic movement, where the vast majority of falls occur. By understanding fall risk in patients like the elderly and those with spinal injuries causing lower extremity difficulties, it will be easier to identify rehabilitation or treatment pathways. Future work could include testing in different environments and with other perturbations.