Using Motion Capture Technology in the Instrumented Timed Up and Go Test to Detect the Risk of Falling in Aged Adults

In the current study, we aimed to analyze the ITUG test sub components using motion capture technology and to determine the correlation between ITUG test subtasks. we wanted to show that ITUG test has highlighted points to show more details than traditional TUG test. The significance of this method is that it's subdivides, the traditional TUG test with the motion capture system providing new variables regarding time and body sway our results demonstrated that some sub-components time variables, rather than body sway variables differed between groups with different leveled risk of falling.

As recent studies have evidence that the TUG test several components are associated with cognitive function, this method can also pave the way for screening for cognitive impairment. To begin set up a standardized ITUG test area, ensuring that it is equipped with 12 cameras distributed around the room. Incorporate traditional TUG setups such as a chair and a sign to remind the participant to turn back.

Make sure that the motion capture area is confined within the camera coverage and that all tug test setup materials are non-white reflective. Next, initiate the motion capture software by clicking the software icon for general camera configuration. Select the default mode.

Also apply default settings for selected camera settings and camera configuration settings. Select live mode for realtime settings and click on marker sets to configure the marker settings. For the calibration of ground axis, select the XY axis and choose millimeters in calibration units.

Click on calibrate to select the calibration variation. Then select initial calibration and click on the L-shaped button. Place the L-shaped calibrator at the center of the field to ensure visibility by all cameras.

Then check the screen to confirm that all 12 cameras detect four reflective markers. If any camera detects three or less markers. Reduce lightness and threshold at the left of the screen.

If any camera detects five or more markers. Check the field and cover the unwanted markers. Next, click on the T-shaped button and wave it in the field to ensure all cameras capture it.

Then select the Z axis in calibration of up axis and use millimeters for calibration units. Have the doctors verify the effectiveness of camera capture by waving the markers in each corner of the field. Click on finish to complete the calibration process and click save calibration.

To begin, set up the test area and software for ITUG test attach reflective markers to the participant's seven cervical spin processes, 10 thoracic spinous processes, the left acromion and the right acromion. Right click the reflective markers on the right line of the screen to name them as C7, T10, left shoulder, and right shoulder. Present the ITUG test instructions to the participants.

Ask the participants to rise from the chair, walk three meters at their preferred speed, turn around, return, and sit while the participant is performing the ITUG test. Click on the start and pause buttons on the screen of the computer. Next, enter the participant's name in the system for data collection purposes and press the record button to start the data recording.

After recording, review the video to identify the ITUGs test sub phases. Similarly define the phase two time, phase two body sway, phase three time. Phase three, body sway, angular velocity of phase three, phase four time, phase four body sway and phase five time.

Finally, evaluate the falling risk of the participant by using the Downton fall risk index. For this study, 13 aged participants with a high risk of falling and 11 participants with a low risk of falling were studied. Despite no significant differences in sex, age, or overall tug test scores between the groups, high risk individuals had notably longer durations in specific eye tug test phases and lower angular velocity during turning suggesting impaired mobility, a significant correlation was found between DFRI scores and the duration of several IT test phases, but not with body sway metrics indicating specific mobility challenges correlated with fall risk.