Establishing the Reliability and Validity of Health in Motion© Automated Falls Screening Tool

Abstract

Introduction: Blue Marble Health Company has created a digital fall risk screening tool (Health in Motion©) that can be used by means of self-report (touch/mouse) or by means of motion capture (Microsoft Kinect Sensor). Health in Motion© consists of automated versions of the Fall Risk Question-naire, 30-Second Chair Stand Test, and the One Leg Stance Test. Methods: We compared the three methods (self-report, sensor, and clinical standard measurement) using stopwatch and observation in 15 community-dwelling older adults, aged 63 - 80 years old. Each version was completed three times each in random order, for a total of nine trials. Results: Health in Motion© falls screening tool accessible via self-report and sensor is a valid and reliable automated at-home self-assessment for falls risk. Conclusion: Results support the use of Health in Motion© falls screening tools as viable alternatives to standard falls risk assessments for use by older adults at home.