Every Step Counts: Rethinking Fall Prevention for Older Adults
A fall is rarely just an accident. Behind most falls in older adults lies a combination of factors — weakened gait, reduced muscle coordination, and environments that offer little margin for error. Understanding this complexity is the first step toward meaningful prevention.
What the Evidence Shows
Research consistently points to gait instability as one of the strongest predictors of fall risk. The Smiling Project draws on this body of evidence to develop targeted interventions that address the root causes — not just the symptoms — of mobility decline in elderly individuals.
- Mechatronic gait-training devices for controlled, progressive rehabilitation
- Biomechanical assessment to identify individual risk profiles
- Combined physical and technological approaches grounded in FP7-funded research
- Outcome monitoring through structured clinical trials
From Research to Real-World Impact
What sets this work apart is the direct translation from laboratory findings to clinical practice. The technologies explored here are not theoretical — they are validated through rigorous testing with real patients, in real care settings, with outcomes that matter to people and their families.
Curious about the methods behind the research or how this work might inform clinical practice?
Explore the Project Get in Touch