RESEARCH

Integrative Research

Continuous Assessment

Integrative research focuses on creating a framework where health information can be combined from multiple sources and presented to a person in a meaningful way. This health information could be provided by technologies developed within the Center, as well as technologies developed by third-parties, by from a medical provider.

The Center for Future Health at the University of Rochester is undertaking a number of research initiatives aimed at transforming data from these technologies into medically useable information. We are currently conducting a study involving the home monitoring of Alzheimer’s patient, funded by the Alzheimer’s Association’s Everyday Technologies for Alzheimer Care (ETAC) initiative, General Electric Global Research and Home Free Systems. In this study the homes of subjects diagnosed with dementia will be equipped with various motion detection devices for a period of two to three years, while their health status is monitored. Algorithms will be developed which will use the resulting longitudinal records of motion to detect changes in activity patterns which indicate the progress of dementia. We expect this work to result in the development of an automated in-home real time diagnostic tool.

In other work, we are developing algorithms which will exploit the increasing accuracy of currently available accelerometers. Applying spectral analysis techniques to accelerometer data, we can construct a filtered signal which is functionally associated with motion intensity with a resolution to within one second. This allows a very accurate real time record of motion intensity. One application we are developing is the diagnosis and characterization of fatigue in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Technologies that measure human motion and activity, such as infrared sensors, radio frequency transmitters and wearable accelerometers, possibly incorporated into a wireless network, have the potential to aid health management by providing convenient longitudinal monitoring of health status, and by alerting health professionals of changes in status. Such technology is now widely accessible at a moderate cost, and is generally noninvasive. Yet their potential use in health care delivery remains a largely new area of research.

Papers

Almudevar, A. (2004) “The use of actigraphy in a home monitoring environment”, Thought Leaders' Workshop, Rochester, NY.

Almudevar, A., Leibovici, A, Horwitz, C. (2005) “Electronic motion monitoring in the assessment of non-cognitive symptoms of dementia”, 12th International Congress of the International Psychogeriatric Association, Stockholm.