Wearable Technology to Assist Gait and Mobility in the Older Adult

Stony Brook University

Status: Begins enrollment this month

Conditions: Older Adults Who Use an Assistive Device for Mobility

Treatments: Device: Wearing the Accelera device

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07220707

2025-00142

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study assesses whether a small wearable ankle bracelet device can improve gait and mobility in the older adult. Before wearing the bracelet, participants will answer a brief questionnaire, have gait and mobility assessed via 3 CDC approved tests and an app, then wear the device and repeat these gait and mobility assessments, and complete a questionnaire.

Full description

This is a pilot, observational study with 20 volunteers at Jefferson's Ferry Independent Living. Before the Accelera ankle bracelets are applied, participants will complete a pre-study questionnaire. They will then complete 3 tests that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends for fall risk assessment, namely the chair stand test, 4-point balance test, and timed up and go test, while using their usual mobility assist devices. If the participants provide optional consent, they will undergo video-based gait/mobility analysis of information derived from the HIPAA compliant Onform video recording app, while they are using their usual mobility assistance devices, if any. In other words, a video recording is made with the app and stored on the apps' HIPAA compliant platform. With the faces obscured, measurements of their gait/mobility will be performed using additional programs as indicated in the Data section. After bracelet application, volunteers will then be encouraged to resume their normal ambulation' (while using their usual mobility assistive devices) for about 30 minutes at the study location as described below. The same 3 tests will be repeated after 30 minutes, along with a post-study questionnaire, and if they consented to video recording above, then repeat videorecording with the Onform video recording app would be performed. With the faces obscured, measurements of their gait/mobility will be performed using additional programs as indicated in the Data section. At this point, the ankle bracelets will be removed - with the subjects having worn them for about 1 hour total. There will be an additional up to 1 hour for completion of the pre- and post-study questionnaires, for a total study session duration of about 1.5 - 2 hours. At each session, we will apply these bracelets to a minimum of 1 patient per session. These sessions will occur at the Wellness Center/gym or other designated area at Jefferson's Ferry 1x per week, with a minimum of one patient for up to 8 patients/week if no holidays, until 20 patients have completed the study. To address infection control, a disposable sock will provide a physical barrier between the device and patient, while still allowing the patient to feel the stochastic resonance.

Enrollment: 20 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. 65+ years old residing at Independent Living at Jefferson's Ferry
2. Express interest in the ankle wearable device
3. Have capacity as measured by being alert and oriented to person, place, and time
4. Can communicate in English and provide written consent
5. Able to walk and stand unsupported by others and feel ankle vibrations at maximum amplitude.
6. Answers "Yes" to at least one: worry about falling, had a fall within last year, feel unsteady when walking, enrolled in a fall prevention program, or use/have used assistive devices, such as canes or walkers

Exclusion criteria

Participants are excluded from the study if any of the following criteria apply:

1. Diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS))
2. Disability from a stroke or other major neurologic disorder resulting in leg paralysis
3. Active ulcers/rashes/infections on feet or legs, or using orthotics other than arch supports or over the counter knee/ankle supports
4. Significant lymphedema/peripheral edema/or large ankle size that prevents ankle wearable device application or functionality
5. Cannot give written consent
6. Unable to walk today or generally use wheelchairs
7. Unable to participate due to medical or cognitive reasons
8. Any lower extremity amputation other than one toe
9. On anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents other than aspirin
10. Unable to participate due to other medical or cognitive reasons
11. Age under 65 years

Trial design