Charité study: Berlin Lindera app reduces the risk of falls in seniors in the long term

10.12.2021 15:26

A study by the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, commissioned by the Berlin health tech company Lindera and AOK Nordost, compared a digital fall risk analysis with classic analog analysis tools. The result: Lindera's “SturzApp” records the risk of falls more comprehensively, quickly and sustainably than conventional clinical analysis methods, which are often based exclusively on questionnaires. Digital mobility analysis also reduces the risk of falls in the long term.

The use of the app reduces the risk of falls among study participants within six months and by eleven percent when analyzed twice. From the first to the third analysis, the risk of falls was reduced by more than 15 percent.

Scope, speed and cost-benefit efficiency tested

For the study, the FallApp was integrated into everyday life in 15 facilities in Berlin, Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over a period of 22 months. The Lindera mobility analysis was tested, among other things, for scope, speed and cost-benefit efficiency and compared with conventional analogue methods. For this purpose, 491 mobility analyzes were carried out via app and evaluated anonymously. In order to compare the costs and benefits to other procedures, seniors also underwent further clinically established examinations to assess fall risk.

Artificial intelligence determines individual fall risk via app

Lindera's digital motion analysis, which is certified as a medical product, is based on artificial intelligence and can be easily integrated into the nursing documentation system. It determines the individual risk of falling easily and precisely in just ten minutes using an app on a smartphone or tablet. The diagnostic-supporting procedure is based on the expert standard for fall prevention. The 3D movement to determine the gait pattern is determined with the help of artificial intelligence. The risk analysis consists of the parameters time for the test run, balance, posture, gait, step length, sway, step symmetry and cadence. Lindera's patented algorithms determine the individual risk using a video recording of approximately 30 seconds and a questionnaire. Following the analysis, the app provides personalized recommendations for preventing falls and maintaining mobility in old age.

Technology reduces the risk of falls and enables new ways of working in care

The long-term study confirms: Using the medical app reduces the risk of falls within six months and by eleven percent when analyzed twice. From the first to the third analysis, the risk of falls was minimized by more than 15 percent. With repeated use, developmental progressions can also be depicted and systems can be developed to work specifically on maintaining mobility and preventing falls. “Artificial intelligence and simple, mobile solutions make a measurable contribution to health promotion when they are integrated into the everyday care of professionals,” says Diana Heinrichs, CEO and co-founder of Lindera. “On the one hand, the FallApp has a direct influence on mobility and thus the quality of life in old age. On the other hand, the study shows that it can replace existing clinical procedures in the long term. This allows nursing staff a new way of working with seniors. It also changes the work among specialist colleagues and helps to focus on social care.”

Digital health application enables self-determined aging

“We also need to make much greater use of the potential of digitalization in care,” says Marita Moskwyn, head of the inpatient care department at AOK Nordost. “Falls are one of the greatest health risks in old age, especially in care settings. Every second resident falls at least once a year. A quarter of falls result in fractures and the majority of seniors do not fully recover afterwards. The results show that we can enable seniors to age actively with digital support options.” However, the acceptance of corresponding applications is also important – both on the part of the specialist staff and on the part of the insured. “Here we see a great response on both sides with the StützApp,” says Marita Moskwyn. A further 36 nursing homes have already expressed interest in using the Stützapp to AOK Nordost.