How To Land Safely From A Fall: Lessons From Video Recordings Of Falls In Older Adults

Presented by Stephen Robinovitch, SFU Professor, Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, and the School of Engineering Science

Tuesday November 17th, 2015, 114 Halpern Centre, 11:30 am

Abstract: About 30% of older adults living in the community experience at least one unexpected fall each year. Collectively, these events cause falls to be the number one cause of injury in seniors. However, only about one in ten falls in seniors results in significant injury. This is surprising, given that any fall from standing height has the potential to create life-threatening brain injury or hip fracture. My research focuses on using the tools of biomechanics to improve our understanding of the cause and prevention of fall-related injuries. I will present results from an ongoing study, where we are using networks of video cameras in long-term care to study the circumstances of falls. I will also discuss our research on protective responses for avoiding injury (e.g., head impact, hip fracture) during a fall. Finally, I will discuss the design of protective gear (e.g., hip protectors) and compliant flooring to reduce risk for fall-related injuries.

Speaker Biography: Stephen Robinovitch, Ph.D. obtained his B.App.Sc. in mechanical engineering from UBC in 1988, his M.Sc. in mechanical engineering from MIT in 1990, and his Ph.D. in 1995 from the Harvard/ MIT program in Medical Engineering. He spent six years as a researcher in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at University of California, San Francisco, and joined SFU as an Assistant Professor in 2000. He is currently a Professor and Canada Research Chair at SFU with appointments in the Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, and the School of Engineering Science.