Estimating Body Segment Movements During Volunteer Falls

Sammanfattning

Falls are a leading cause of injury, particularly among older adults, and understanding the mechanics behind them is essential for effective prevention. This project investigates the kinematics of forward, backward, and sideways falls using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and video recordings. A fall-inducing platform was developed to simulate sudden loss of support in a controlled and safe environment. Ten young adult participants were analysed using IMU sensors placed on the head, wrists, and hips to capture linear acceleration and angular velocity during descent and impact.The results show that fall direction influence impact sequence, movement patterns, and protective strategies. Forward falls were the most consistent, typically involving wrist contact and high arm accelerations. Backward falls were generally more controlled, with impact often absorbed through the hips. Sideways falls showed the greatest variability, often involving trunk rotation and asymmetrical movement. Sex-based trends revealed that female participants exhibited higher angular velocities and accelerations, particularly during backward and sideways falls.These findings provide insight into human fall dynamics and highlight the importance of fall direction and individual response in influencing impact timing and injury risk. The data collected may support future applications such as fall detection systems, injury risk assessment models, and simulations evaluating the effect of common materials such as concrete.