University researchers develop electronic walking frame that could keep older adults more active

Press/Media: Press / Media

Period15 Aug 2018

Media coverage

1

Media coverage

  • TitleUniversity researchers develop electronic walking frame that could keep older adults more active
    Media name/outletAssistive Technology Today
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date15/08/18
    DescriptionNorthumbria University is developing a robotic walking frame that could help older people recover more quickly after a fall or injury, reducing the length of time they need to stay in hospital. The electronic walker acts as a ‘virtual physiotherapist’, encouraging a patient to be as active as possible and assessing how exercises have been carried out. It is fitted with technology that enables it to issue voice commands to its patient, encouraging them to complete regular activities like going for a walk, gripping, standing and balancing, then assessing their performance. Additionally, the frame offers physical support to those who need it. Being supported by a team from Northumbria University’s Psychology and Communication Technology (PaCT) Lab, the development of the frame comes as part of a wider European project. The project is called ACANTO, a European Union-funded research initiative which focuses on how technology can address the challenges of ageing and looks at ways to encourage older individuals to be more active.
    URLattoday.co.uk/university-researchers-develop-electronic-walking-frame-that-could-keep-older-adults-more-active/
    PersonsMia Campbell, Lynne Coventry, Andrew McNeill