Mobility is a key factor in the performance of many everyday tasks required for independent living as a person grows older. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to test a theorybased mobility monitoring protocol by comparing sensor-based measures to self-report measures of mobility and assessing the acceptability of in-home sensors with older adults. Standardized instruments to measure physical, psychosocial and cognitive parameters were administered to 8 community-dwelling older adults at baseline, 3 month and 6 month visits (examples: FES, GDS-SF, Mini-cog). Semi-structured interviews to characterize acceptability of the technology were conducted at 3 month and 6 month visits. Technical issues prevented comparison of sensor-based measures with self-report measures. In-home sensor technology for monitoring mobility is acceptable to older adults. Implementing our theory-based mobility monitoring protocol in a field study in the homes of older adults is a feasible undertaking but requires more robust technology for sensor-based measure validation.
In REF , the authors describe a study using AAL technology to monitor mobility in the home over a 6-month period, the aims of which were to determine correlations between sensor and self-reported data and assess the acceptability of sensor systems amongst older adults.
Testing a Theory-Based Mobility Monitoring Protocol Using In-Home Sensors: A Feasibility Study
Research in gerontological nursing
Research in gerontological nursing
Medicine