A Novel Method to Detect Objectively the Risk of Falling in Elderly Based on Control Theory Criteria

Falls represent a problem associated with elderly. The percentage of people, 65 years and older, that fall and get a serious injury increases in a very fast way in those ages. A technique based on control theory criteria to evaluate stability in elderly was applied to real responses of human head movements when open-closed eyes stimuli were used. Head movements were recorded with an opto electronic system. Mathematical models of the responses were obtained adjusting them iteratively to a second-order equation, considering nature frequency and damping factor as main parameters. Results showed that according with the location of the poles in a complex plane, stability can be observed and evaluated. Moreover, according with this method, risk of falls could be inferred and some prevention actions or rehabilitation protocols can be adopted.