Researchers at the University of Arizona have made strides in elderly care with a new wearable device. This gadget uses artificial intelligence to detect early signs of frailty. Philipp Gutruf, an associate professor of biomedical engineering, emphasizes the need for change. “Our current system often reacts only after a fall or hospital visit. We want to be proactive,” he explained.
Published in Nature Communications, the device resembles a soft mesh sleeve worn around the lower thigh. It tracks leg movement, step symmetry, and variability. This is crucial since frailty increases the risk of falls and hospitalization, affecting 15% of Americans aged 65 and older, according to a 2015 study in the Journals of Gerontology.
Gutruf argues that early intervention could prevent serious health issues and costly hospitalizations. “This device could help catch problems before they escalate,” he noted.
The sleeve is designed for comfort and ease of use. It features long-range wireless charging, eliminating the hassle of frequent battery changes. Gutruf has been focusing on health-monitoring technology for seven years. His lab also developed a wearable that tracks skin gases to monitor stress.
This innovative sleeve is lined with small sensors and uses Edge AI technology for real-time analysis. It collects and analyzes motion data without sending the raw information, significantly reducing data transfer needs. The results can be sent to a smartphone via Bluetooth, making it accessible for patients even in remote areas.
Kevin Kasper, a doctoral candidate in biomedical engineering and lead author of the study, stated, “This technology can effectively bring lab-quality monitoring to anyone, no matter where they live.”
As our population ages, such innovations in wearable technology could play a pivotal role in healthcare. The shift from reactive to preventative care may reshape how we manage elderly health, highlighting the potential of technology to enhance patient outcomes.
For further insight into the impact of wearables on health, you can read more in this report on healthcare technology.
