'Smart carpet' could help predict mobility problems

Plastic optical fibres, laid on the underlay of a carpet, can bend when anyone treads on it and map, in real time, their walking patterns.

According to a statement, electronics embedded at the edges act as sensors and relay signals to a computer. These signals can then be analysed to show the image of the footprint and identify gradual changes in walking behaviour or a sudden incident such as a fall or trip. They can also show a steady deterioration or change in walking habits, possibly predicting an episode such as a fall.

As many as 30–40 per cent of community dwelling older people fall each year. This is the most serious and frequent accident in the home, and accounts for half of hospital admissions in the over-65 age group.

Presenting their research to the Institute of Physics’ Photon 12 conference today, the scientists believe the technology could be used to fit smart carpets in care homes or hospital wards, as well as being fitted in people’s homes if necessary. Physiotherapists could also use the carpet to map changes and improvements in a person’s gait.