- 學位論文
以慣性感測器預測老年人跌倒風險之研究
Research on Predicting the Risk of Falls in the Elderly Using Inertial Measurement Unit
摘要
前言: 過去的研究顯示，老年人跌倒風險較高且頻繁發生，跌倒或類似跌倒的步態及行動障礙對身體健康影響深遠。因此，對老年人進行活動能力評估至關重要，能及早發現潛在傷害並減少跌倒風險，從而幫助制定更有效的預防措施。跌倒的原因通常包括外在、內在和行為因素，因此相關的評估工具多數會包含平衡和步態測試。然而，這些工具大多需要大型、笨重的儀器，且需在實驗室進行測試，使用上不太便利。過去學者提出利用小型且輕便的慣性感測器來收集步態時空參數，並將其結合於Timed Up and Go 測試中，能提高跌倒風險評估的準確度。然而，過去的研究發現，使用多項測驗綜合評估能更準確地檢測跌倒風險。目的: 本研究旨在找出哪些步態參數和平衡參數可以辨別老年人是否有跌倒經驗。方法: 招募28名老年人，分別進行Timed Up and Go、六分鐘步行測驗和單/雙腳平衡測驗。通過比較有無跌倒經驗的老年人這三種測驗中的表現差異，來評估那些參數可以辨別。結果: 有無跌倒經驗的老年人TUG中的完成時間有顯著差異p<.001，六分鐘步行測驗中的步頻和步長有顯著差異p<.001，雙腳站立平衡測驗中的總向量幅度有顯著差異p<.05，單腳站立平衡測驗中左腳和右腳的總向量幅度、前後和左右向的晃動和晃動範圍均有顯著差異p<.001。結論: TUG完成時間、六分鐘步行測驗的步頻和步長、雙腳平衡測驗中的總向量幅度，以及單腳平衡測驗中的各項總向量幅度、前後和左右向的晃動和晃動範圍是評估老年人跌倒風險的重要指標。
並列摘要
Background: Previous studies have shown that older adults are at higher risk of falls, which frequently occur and have a profound impact on physical health. Gait and mobility impairments related to falls or near-falls can significantly affect overall health. Therefore, assessing the activity ability of older adults is crucial for early identification of potential injuries and for reducing fall risks, which helps to develop more effective preventive measures. Falls are generally caused by external, internal, and behavioral factors, so most related assessment tools include balance and gait tests. However, these tools often require large, cumbersome equipment and must be conducted in a laboratory, making them inconvenient to use. Past research has suggested using small and portable inertial sensors to collect spatiotemporal gait parameters, integrating them into the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, to improve the accuracy of fall risk assessments. Nevertheless, some studies have found that using a combination of multiple tests can more accurately assess fall risk. Purpose: This study aims to identify which gait and balance parameters can differentiate whether older adults have a history of falls. Methods: Twenty-eight older adults were recruited to undergo the Timed Up and Go, Six-Minute Walk Test, and Single/Double-Leg Balance Tests. By comparing the performance differences in these three tests between individuals with and without a history of falls, the study assesses which parameters can be used to differentiate between the two groups. Results: There were significant differences in the TUG completion time between those with and without fall experience (p < .001). In the Six-Minute Walk Test, there were significant differences in step frequency and stride length (p < .001). In the Double-Leg Balance Test, there were significant differences in the total vector magnitude (p < .05). In the Single-Leg Balance Test, there were significant differences in total vector magnitude, as well as the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral sway and sway range for both the left and right legs (p < .001). Conclusion: The TUG completion time, step frequency and stride length in the Six-Minute Walk Test, total vector magnitude in the Double-Leg Balance Test, and the total vector magnitude, anterior-posterior and medial-lateral sway, and sway range in the Single-Leg Balance Test are important indicators for assessing fall risk in older adults.