Head Accelerometer Assessment for Objective Gait and Balance Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physical performance assessment methods for older patients require professional personnel and significant time, leading to inaccuracies due to subjective evaluation and variability based on patient mood or condition, and lack of direct data measurement.
Innovation Solution
A physical performance assessment method and device using a motion acceleration sensor attached to the head to analyze balance, gait speed, and chair stand through objective metrics, including protocols for balance, gait speed, and chair stand, with threshold values and motion parameter analysis to determine patient performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional physical performance assessment methods using naked eye observation are used, then the assessment can be performed without specialized equipment, but the measurement precision and reliability are low due to subjective evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual observation system with an accelerometer-based measurement system. The accelerometer objectively captures motion data, substituting the subjective naked eye assessment with precise instrumental measurement, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an accelerometer as an intermediary device between the patient's motion and the assessment process. This intermediary objectively translates physical motion into measurable acceleration data, eliminating the subjectivity of direct observation while maintaining assessment functionality.
2Reliability
If professionally trained personnel conduct comprehensive geriatric assessment, then the assessment can be performed, but the productivity is low due to significant time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service assessment where the accelerometer automatically collects and processes motion data without requiring continuous professional intervention. The device independently performs measurement, data collection, and analysis, freeing trained personnel from time-consuming manual assessment tasks while maintaining assessment quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the time-intensive manual assessment process with automated accelerometer-based measurement and algorithmic analysis, substituting human observation and evaluation with efficient electronic sensing and computational processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If assessment results are based on patient's mood or condition upon test, then the assessment reflects current state, but the reliability is reduced due to variability in results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective assessment that varies with patient mood with objective accelerometer measurements that consistently capture actual motion parameters regardless of patient state, thereby maintaining reliability while adapting to individual performance levels.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method and device enhance accuracy by minimizing errors and enabling convenient, objective assessment of patient motions, distinguishing gait time points, and detecting abnormalities, thereby improving the reliability of physical performance evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
collecting a patient's motion acceleration signals for the patient's motion analysis through a motion acceleration sensor attached to the patient's head
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a physical performance assessment method including the steps of: collecting a patient's motion acceleration signals for the patient's motion analysis measured from a motion acceleration sensor attached to the patient's head through a motion measurement module; and deriving a plurality of motion parameters based on the collected motion acceleration signals through a motion analysis module.