Changes in Motor Behavior Predict Falls and Identify Acute Events

Abstract

This study aimed to examine how changes in motor behavior are associated with falls, delirium, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Twenty-three (128 observations) skilled nursing residents were examined for up to 18 months. In multilevel models, motor behaviors (e.g., time and distance traveled, gait speed), measured by a real-time locating system, were used to predict falls, UTIs, and delirium. Falls were associated with decreased gait speed ( OR = 0.01; p ≤ 0.001) and path distance ( OR = 0.99; p ≤ 0.05); delirium was associated with increased distance traveled ( OR = 1.01; p ≤ 0.001), path distance ( OR = 1.02; p ≤ 0.001), and decreased time traveled ( OR = 0.99; p ≤ 0.001) and path time ( OR = 0.99; p ≤ 0.001); UTIs were associated with increased distance traveled ( OR = 1.01; p ≤ 0.001), decreased time traveled ( OR = 0.99; p ≤ 0.001), and the number of paths ( OR = 0.91; p ≤ 0.01). Subtle changes in motor behavior may be an early warning sign of falls and acute events. Continuous monitoring may enable clinical staff to prevent, identify early, and/or delay these poor health outcomes.