Tetrax Fall Index

Fall Index Assessment with Tetrax

Fall Index Assessment with Tetrax is designed to assess the individual’s risk of falling,
provides information that is essential in decisions that affect the quality of life of the
individual patient.

Balance – A Determinant for Fall Risk

Risk of falling and the likelihood of subsequent fractures, which can have a serious long-term
impact on health, are highly dependent on the ability of the individual to balance himself
effectively.1 2 The Tetrax Fall Index parameter, which is calculated using data from the
individual’s balance measurement, presents a complete picture of his risk of falling from
balance disorders.

To test for balance, the patient is asked to stand on the Tetrax four-point balance platforms for
a short period of time in various positions, each calculated to test a different factor of the
patient’s balance abilities. This information is analyzed, and results, which indicate the
patient’s overall stability, weight distribution, synchronization between foot parts, and Fourier
Transformation analysis, are produced. Each of these parameters provides information on the
patient’s ability to maintain balance in different situations. In addition, the results pinpoint the
factors that may cause balance problems. Analysis of the relevant parameters among these
factors with a proprietary algorithm produces the Fall Index, a parameter which indicates the
likelihood that the
patient will fall.

Low risk of falling (green section above) – Patients whose results fall in this category have a
low risk of falling and need not take any special precautions in this regard.

Moderate risk of falling (yellow section above) – Patients whose results fall into this
category have a moderate risk of falling and should exercise regularly and be careful when
walking and running. They should also try to avoid potential dangers such as a slippery
sidewalk or a loose bathmat.

High risk of falling (pink section above) – Patients whose results fall into this category have
a high risk of falling and should undergo a thorough medical checkup. In addition, they
should take major precautions to avoid falls, including but not limited to:

-Performing exercises to improve their balance

-Arranging their homes so that there are few items to trip over and there are handholds
in bathtubs and elsewhere

-Walking with a companion in potentially dangerous situations, or avoiding potentially
dangerous situations altogether

-Using walking aids such as walkers or canes if necessary

The Tetrax Balance System – A Qualitative Advantage
While some other balance tests provide a rough estimation of which patients are at risk of
falling, measurement results with the Tetrax device are far more detailed and informative in
comparison.

The Tetrax system, in contrast to other systems, can pinpoint impairments within specific
body systems and may suggest the source of balance problems. This thoroughness means that
the device can identify the source for balance problems even for patients with moderate fall
risk, and help determine preventive action or a course of treatment for any balance problems.

Falling Index and Bone Strength – the Solution for Elder Health Testing
The Tetrax system is available in conjunction with the Sunlight Omnisense 7000S or 8000S
device, a bone strength measurement device which is clinically proven to accurately assess
bone strength. The Omnisense device uses ultrasound to test bone strength at a number of
skeletal sites. The device is used to diagnose and monitor osteoporosis, the major cause of
low-trauma fractures, especially among the elderly. Determining both bone strength and fall
risk based on balance provides the physician with a complete picture of the likelihood that an
individual will suffer a debilitating fracture which will affect his/her ability to live
independently.

The physician can use the fall risk index information and bone strength information to help
determine exercise programs, nutrition education, the need for balance aids, and other
assistance for the patient. The use of interventions, including balance and lower limb
strengthening exercises and home safety advice,3 as well as walking aids such as canes and
walkers, can bring a major improvement to the quality of life of elderly patients and help
them maintain their independence longer.

References
1 Runge, M., Rehfeld, G., Resnicek, E., Balance Training and Exercise in Geriatric Patients,
Journal of Musculoskeletal Interact, 2000; 1:54-58
2 Runge, M., Diagnosis of the risk of accidental falls in the elderly, Ther Umsch. 2002 Jul;59(7):351-8
3 Simpson, J.M., Darwin, C., Marsh N., What are older people prepared to do to avoid falling? A
qualitative study in London, British Journal of Community Nursing, 2003 Apr; 8(4);152, 154-9