SmartBathroom is a state-of-the-art bathroom laboratory designed to explore how features like grab bars, toilets, and tubs can be adjusted to support individuals aging with disability, whose support needs can change over time. The bathroom features mechanically adjustable fixtures and an array of sensors that can measure walking performance (speed, balance, stability), location of feet and hands, and forces applied to the bathroom surfaces. 

Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, and older adults with mobility disabilities are at even greater risk. We are working to develop a system that will accurately detect falls from wheelchairs or scooters and automatically alert caregivers or emergency professionals who can respond to help. 

Seated postural control, or the ability to maintain stability with one’s center of mass while seated, is essential for wheelchair users to safely perform activities of daily living. Steady Wheels is examining the validity of a more accessible measure of seated postural control outside of the lab and clinic setting – using smart phone.

Walking speed (or gait speed) is an important measure of functional ability and is predictive of a variety of health outcomes for older adults. However, measuring gait speed has not been adopted broadly in routine clinical practice. We developed a series of tools to measure gait over a short distance, including a wall-mount system and a portable smart phone app.