Frailty is difficult to accurately define and diagnose. It is a multi-factorial condition, influenced by the combination of a person’s physical, psychological and social health. Research activity within the TRIL Clinic provides invaluable information across these bio – psycho – social elements which helps expand our understanding of frailty.
Falls are a well established marker of frailty, with more than one third of people over the age of 65 experiencing at least one fall each year. Falls have significant adverse impacts on older people and are a major cost to healthcare systems worldwide. The focus of our work is to elucidate the factors contributing to falls, to use this information to develop assessment tools identifying those at risk of falls and to implement appropriate intervention therapies and technologies.
Video (no sound required) of John, a TRIL participant, as he walks along an early prototype of a TRIL pressure sensitive walkway. His movement is recorded by the walkway and two web cameras. The walkway data can measure where and when each foot lands and takes off from the walkway, and how much pressure he is applying to different parts of his feet as he walks. We can also measure how much John is using his walking stick as he walks. A newer, more sensitive version of this walkway is currently in use in the TRIL Clinic and has measured the gait of over 600 older Irish adults.