Comparison 2: Translational Research vs. Quantitative Research

 

            Criteria Peer-Reviewed Translational Article and Permalink/Working Link:

 

Lumetzberger, J., Münzer, T., & Kampel, M. (2021). Non-obtrusive 3d body tracking for automated mobility assessment in independently living older persons: Results of a pilot trial. EAI Endorsed Transactions on Pervasive Health and Technology7(26), e4–e4. https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.4-3-2021.168863

Translational Research Type: T2

Peer-Reviewed Traditional Article and Permalink/Working Link:

 

Nemeth, B., van der Kaaij, M., Nelissen, R., van Wijnen, J.-K., Drost, K., & Blauw, G. J. (2022). Prevention of hip fractures in older adults residing in long-term care facilities with a hip airbag: A retrospective pilot study. BMC Geriatrics22(1), 547. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-03221-1

Traditional Quantitative Research Type: Retrospective quantitative study

 

Observations (Similarities/Differences)
Methodology The study was a pilot investigation of the effectiveness of real time data and mobility assessments in fall detection and prevention. The intervention entailed automatic tracking and detection of movements for the study participants using Orbbec Astra 3d camera. A field trial for the intervention was done for a 10-month period in the private homes of 20 generally healthy older adults. 20 study participants were enrolled and assessed following their use of automated trackers for parameters such as movement patterns, size, and height. Data was expressed as standard deviation and means. Linear regression analysis was done to determine the association of manual physical therapy with machine-based gait data.

 

 

 

 

This study was a retrospective pilot study that involved 969 participants residing in 11 long-term facilities for the older patients. The researchers utilized intervention that entails the application of 45 WOLK-hip airbags for fall and fracture detection and prevention. The inclusion criteria included physically active participants with pelvic circumference of 90-125 cm. The exclusion criteria included participants who continuously removed hip airbag for themselves and those depending on wheelchair for mobility.

 

 

The two studies focused on the effect of technology use in improving gait, physical activity, and falls among the elderly. They differed based on the study designs. While the study by Nemeth et al., (2022) was a retrospective quantitative research, the one by Lumetzberger et al., (2021) was a pilot study on the use of 3D technology in patient monitoring and assessment of fall risk. The two studies support that health technologies are feasible for use in fall detection and prevention.

 

 

 

Goals The goal of this study was to assess mobility of the older persons using real time data and comparing it with the mobility assessment of physiotherapists.

 

 

 

 

 

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of introducing WOLK hip airbag on the incidence of hip fractures. The secondary aim was to evaluate the occurrences of falls and pelvic fractures among the participants.

 

 

The two studies differ based on their goals. The study by Lumetzberger et al., (2021) examined the effectiveness of using real-time data on gait studies and fall rates while Nemeth et al., (2022) investigated the effect of airbags on fall rates and fractures among those at risk.

 

 

Data Collection A trained physical therapist conducted gait study tests to each of the study subjects. They collected data on the participants’ ability to perform three repetitive tasks to assess for possible mobility changes. At the same time, an automated tracker measured test duration and gait velocity for use in comparing both data.

 

 

 

 

Data on hip, falls, and pelvic fractures were collected from electronic incidence reports for the participants. The demographic data were extracted electronically from patient records and summarized for median of the study period.

 

 

The studies differ on the approaches to data collection. The study by

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