Using Wearable Activity Trackers to Monitor Physical Activity in Older Adults Undergoing Exercise Interventions for Falls

Summary Exercise targeting improvements in muscle strength and balance is beneficial for the prevention of falls in older adults. However, it is difficult to monitor physical activity levels in older adults who have been prescribed exercise training. Wearable activity trackers, such as Fitbit, may provide a useful tool for monitoring physical activity in this population.

Project Details

This study will examine three-month changes in physical activity, assessed by Fitbit devices, in older adults who have recently experienced a fall and who are completing either a personalised exercise program or usual care. We will determine whether fallers complete more physical activity when prescribed an exercise program compared to usual care, and whether higher levels of physical activity are associated with reduced risk factors for falls after three months. Students involved in this project will assist with recruitment of patients and data collection, including assessing changes in physical activity, physical performance and completing body composition scans.