Magic carpet’ could help prevent falls

A 'magic carpet', which can immediately detect when someone has fallen and can help to predict mobility problems has been demonstrated by University of Manchester scientists.

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.

Tiny electronics 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 a dramatic episode such as a fall.

As many as 30 per cent - 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 50 per cent of hospital admissions in the over-65 age group.

Presenting their research to the Photon 12 conference at Durham University in the UK on Tuesday, 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. Photon 12 is the largest optics conference in the UK and was held from 3 - 6 September.

Physiotherapists could also use the carpet to map changes and improvements in a person's gait.