AN INSOLE could be used to help identify if an elderly person is at risk of falls.

A team from Glasgow Caledonian University has developed a prototype insole containing special sensors which can measure the force and movement of a person walking.

The data from the sensors can be saved to memory embedded within the insole and will allow physiotherapists and GPs to measure the risk of falls.

Balance and gait are treatable through exercise programmes and researchers believe this information could be used to help OAPs adjust walking patterns.

Gait analysis - the study of human motion - is currently the primary method of assessing the risk of falls by an elderly person.

However, it can usually only be measured by ultrasound techniques or force and pressure analysis.

Nearly half of people over 65 have a fall, and around 400,000 people over the age of 75 will have to go to hospital as a result each year with costs to UK healthcare services estimated at £2billion a year.

Many elderly people who have suffered a fall are worried about further injury and therefore stop or limit physical activities that otherwise might help them regain confidence and their original quality of life.

Researchers say the insole could potentially be used to help gait related conditions including stroke and Parkinson's Disease.

The research team, led by Professor Lynne Baillie, has been working with fallers and falls experts to improve the prototype and establish when fallers would receive most benefit from the device.

Longer term trials will determine the effectiveness of the insole.

Professor Baillie said: "This has great potential to help with many gait related conditions like stroke and Parkinson's Disease. Sensors are revolutionising how healthcare is delivered."

Jeroen Blom from the Experience Lab team said: "The Experience Labs allowed the team to establish understanding and insight from the perception of fallers and professionals in terms of how this new technology could add value on a day to day basis."