preparation of test area and software for itug studies in aged adults

Evaluating the Risk of Falling in Elderly Using iTUG Motion Capture Technology

Falling is one of the most common geriatric syndromes and is the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury-related deaths worldwide1. In adults aged above 65 years, falling can result in functional impairment, disability, decreased quality of life, increased length of stay in hospitals, and even mortality2,3. Therefore, preventing falls is of utmost importance.
To determine predictors of fall events, previous researchers have focused on gait analyses, balance tests, mental state, sedative drug use, as well as history of falling in the preceding year4,5 The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a quick performance-based measure of mobility. The TUG test has been extensively studied in older adults and is recommended as a simple screening test for the risk of falls6. This widely used test consists of rising from a chair, walking 3 m at the preferred speed, turning around, returning, and sitting. The traditional clinical outcome of this test depends on its total duration7 and is assessed by a stopwatch.
In clinical practice, the conventional TUG test measures the total time to perform a series of activities without dividing the performance of the subject into subcomponents8. Recently, some investigators have proposed that different TUG test components might be particularly sensitive as predictors of future falls9. When using the digitized instrumented TUG (iTUG) test, the individual components of the TUG test can be analyzed separately. By using the iTUG, it is possible to objectively evaluate several characteristics of each TUG test sub-phase and obtain quantitative data, such as the relevant durations, velocities, and angular velocity of each movement. With more detailed data, the iTUG test has shown the advantage of detecting specific deficits that may be more indicative of the fall risk10.
As the gold standard in movement analysis, motion capture technologies have been used to detect movement in patients with Parkinson&#39;s Disease (PD)11, cognitive impairment12, and ankle arthritis13, as well as in healthy adults14. In the current study, we aimed to analyze the iTUG test subcomponents using motion capture technology and to determine the correlation between iTUG test subtasks and the potential risk of future falls.

Author Spotlight: Innovations in iTUG Test for Enhanced Risk Assessment and Cognitive Insights

Using Motion Capture Technology in the Instrumented Timed Up and Go Test to Detect the Risk of Falling in Aged Adults

In the current study, we aimed to analyze the iTUG Test sub components, using motion capture technology, and to determine the correlation between iTUG Test subtasks. We wanted to show that iTUG Test has highlighted points to show more details than traditional TUG Test. The significance of this method is that it's subdivides the traditional TUG Test, with the motion capture system.Providing new variables regarding time and body sway. Our results demonstrated that some sub-components time variables rather than body sway variables, differed between groups with different leveled risk of falling. As recent studies have evidence that the TUG test sub per competence are associated with cognitive function.This method can also play with the V for screening for cognitive impairment.

Preparation of Test Area and Software for iTUG Studies in Aged Adults

To begin, set up a standardized eye tug test area, ensuring that it is equipped with 12 cameras distributed around the room. Incorporate traditional tug setups, such as a chair and a sign to remind the participant to turn back. Make sure that the motion capture area is confined within the camera coverage and that all tug test setup materials are non-white reflective.Next, initiate the motion capture software by clicking the software icon. For general camera configuration, select the default mode. Also apply default settings for selected camera settings and camera configuration settings.Select live mode for realtime settings and click on marker sets to configure the marker settings. For the calibration of ground axis, select the XY-axis and choose millimeters in calibration units. Click on calibrate to select the calibration variation.Then, select initial calibration and click on the L-shaped button. Place the L-shaped calibrator at the center of the field to ensure visibility by all cameras. Then, check the screen to confirm that all 12 cameras detect four reflective markers.If any camera detects three or less markers, reduce lightness and threshold at the left of the screen. If any camera detects five or more markers, check the field and cover the unwanted markers. Next, click on the T-shaped button, and wave it in the field to ensure all cameras capture it.Then, select the Z-axis in calibration of up-axis and use millimeters for calibration units. Have the doctor's verify the effectiveness of camera capture by waving the markers in each corner of the field. Click on finish to complete the calibration process and click save calibration.

preparation-of-test-area-and-software-for-itug-studies-in-aged-adults

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Despite efforts made by medicine and technology, the incidence of falls in older adults is still increasing. Therefore, early detection of the falling risk is becoming increasingly important for falling prevention. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test is a well-accepted tool to assess mobility and can be used in predicting future fall risk in aged adults. In clinical practice, the total time to complete the test is the main outcome measure of the TUG test. Owing to its simplicity and generality, the traditional TUG test has been considered a global test for movement analysis. However, recently, researchers have attempted to split the TUG test into subcomponents and have updated its score system for further investigations. The instrumented Time Up and Go (iTUG) test, which is a new modification of the traditional TUG test, has been reported to be a sensitive tool for predicting movement disorders and the risk of falls in older adults. The goal of the present study was to analyze the iTUG test subcomponents using motion capture technology, and to determine which iTUG test subtasks are related to the potential risk of future falls.

The instrumented Timed Up and Go (iTUG) test is gaining increasing attention in body sway and gait analysis with the development of new technologies. We present a protocol to analyze the subcomponents of the iTUG with motion capture.

Despite efforts made by medicine and technology, the incidence of falls in older adults is still increasing. Therefore, early detection of the falling ...

iTUG Tests to Evaluate Risk of Falling in Aged Adults

To begin, set up the test area and software for iTUG test. Attach reflective markers to the participant's seven cervical spinous processes, ten thoracic spinous processes, the left acromion, and the right acromion. Right click the reflective markers on the right line of the screen to name them as C7, T10, left_shoulder, and right_shoulder.Present the iTUG test instructions to the participants. Ask the participants to rise from the chair, walk three meters at their preferred speed, turn around, return, and sit. While the participant is performing the iTUG test, click on the start and pause buttons on the screen of the computer.Next, enter the participant's name in the system for data collection purposes, and press the record button to start the data recording. After recording, review the video to identify the iTUG's test sub-phases. Similarly define the phase two time, phase two body sway, phase three time, phase three body sway, angular velocity of phase three, phase four time, phase four body sway, and phase five time.Finally, evaluate the falling risk of the participant by using the Downton fall risk index. For this study, 13 aged participants with a high risk of falling and 11 participants with a low risk of falling were studied. Despite no significant differences in sex, age, or overall TUG test scores between the groups, high-risk individuals had notably longer durations in specific iTUG test phases, and lower angular velocity during turning, suggesting impaired mobility.A significant correlation was found between DFRI scores and the duration of several iTUG test phases, but not with body sway metrics, indicating specific mobility challenges correlated with fall risk.