Now, shoes that can predict fall

Elderly people can now heave a sigh of relief-thanks to scientists who have developed a footwear which can predict when one is going to fall.

Called the ishoe, it is actually a high-tech insole fitted with a number of computerized sensors that can monitor balance through the soles of the feet. By checking which parts of the foot are bearing the most pleasure, the “smart” insole works out the risk of a fall, the Daily mail reported.

According to the scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, as falls are becoming an increasing problem for aged people, the footwear could slash the number of hip fractures in the elderly.

Though the experimental device is able only to relay, the results to a computer for doctors to analyse. And,if the patient is at risk, they can be referred for strength training such as”tai chi” to reduce their risk,they say.

But lead researcher Erez Lieberman hopes to install an alarm system that can warn of an impending tumble. He and his team, who developed the ishoe, are currently testing it on 60 elderly people. Help the aged, an organization for the elderly, has appreciated the work of scientists.

“Falls are a huge problem. One person dies every five hours as a result of a fall. If this invention can identify those most at risk it would be very helpful. But we also need the services in place to support these people once they are identified” its senior police officer charlotte potter said.

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