Researchers at Virginia Tech are using wrist-worn voice recorders to gather real-time data on balance loss, offering a fresh approach to understanding this common issue among older adults. Led by Michael Madigan from the College of Engineering, this study builds on his foundational work and research from the University of Michigan Medical School.

Figure 1. Wrist-Worn Voice Recorder. (Credit: Photo by Jordi Shelton for Virginia Tech)

“In the past, researchers would ask participants to recall what they were doing when they lost their balance, but memory can be unreliable,” said Madigan. “With this new method, participants record their experiences immediately after an incident, providing much more accurate and detailed information.” [1]

Published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the study highlights how the recorders captured key moments when participants, averaging 72 years of age, lost their balance. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of this method in providing accurate context without relying on later recollection. Figure 1 shows wrist-worn voice recorders.

Real-World Insight into Balance Loss

In the study, 30 participants wore wrist recorders over three weeks, activating them after a balance loss to answer essential questions:

• When and where did it happen?
• What were they doing?
• How did they attempt to recover—did they grab something or sit down?
• What caused the balance loss, and did they fall?

This self-reported data, analyzed by Madigan’s team, allows participants to reflect on incidents immediately, rather than weeks later, improving the accuracy of the information.

“We’re trying to better understand the circumstances in which people lose their balance,” said Madigan. “This process doesn’t require people to think back weeks or months to an incident, especially when memory can be unreliable.”

Participant Experience and Future Directions

Maria Moll, a retired epidemiologist in her 70s, joined the study after a friend’s fall sparked her interest. “I’ve always been interested in physical fitness and balance, especially as I age,” said Moll. “This study made me more mindful of my movements, particularly during more challenging activities like hiking.”

Looking forward, the team plans to expand the research to larger groups and incorporate lab-based measurements. By doing so, they aim to identify those most at risk and develop strategies to prevent balance loss.

“We want to give clinicians the tools to intervene before a fall occurs,” said Madigan. “This method can provide more reliable, detailed information that helps us understand not just how people lose their balance, but why.”

Source: Virginia Tech

References:

1. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1059401

Cite this article:

Hana M (2024), Wrist-Worn Voice Recorders Offer Breakthrough in Understanding Balance Loss, AnaTechMaz, pp. 284