University of Illinois professors Bruce Schatzand David Buchnerhave developed a system to predict senior fall risk using motion sensors that measure walking patterns.

67 women over 60 were testedon walking ability,  detailed past annual falls, and wore an accelerometer for one week.

The analysis of device data and reported history enabled the researchers to accurately predict falls based on unsteadiness in standing and walking.

The goal is prevention — encouraging  those who know that they are at risk, and their physicians, to focus on strength and balance exercises.