Title
Development of an innovative predictive model for fall risk assessment and prevention among older individuals
Acronym
UNIN FALL PROTECT
Code
IP-UNIN-BIOMED-25-5
Coordinator
Sveučilište Sjever
Ammount
90000 EUR
Project duration
21.10.2025 – 30.09.2029
Summary
The UNIN FALL PROTECT project aims to develop and validate an innovative, predictive protocol for assessing the risk of falls and their consequences in the older population. This model integrates four key domains—balance, strength, agility, and bone density—along with daily activity levels and sleep quality, thereby surpassing existing models that are often limited to clinical settings or overlook some of these aspects. The need for such a project is justified by the high incidence of falls among older adults, which frequently result in serious injuries, hospitalizations, and loss of independence, while their prevention also carries broader socioeconomic implications. The research methodology will include quantitative and qualitative risk assessment, the development and validation of the protocol, and the implementation of targeted preventive interventions. By using modern equipment (balance platforms, dynamometers, GENEActiv wearable devices, densitometers) and digital tools, the project enables objective monitoring of key parameters and data analysis. The results will be implemented in the education of healthcare professionals and students through a digital risk-assessment platform, educational programs, and pilot community interventions. The project will contribute to reducing healthcare system costs, preserving independence in older adults, improving the quality and efficiency of educational programs, strengthening cooperation with the business sector, and advancing scientific excellence. Expected outcomes, supported by the use of innovative technology, include reducing the incidence of falls, optimizing rehabilitation, decreasing the need for long-term care, and promoting active ageing within the community. In addition to the above-mentioned members of the research team, Ivana Telebar, MSc in Nursing (Head of the Department of Geriatric Nursing and Dementia Care at the Varaždin Home for the Elderly and Infirm), has been involved in the project since 26 January 2026. As of 1 September 2026, Assoc. Prof. Mohsen Hussein, PhD (Artros Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, Ljubljana), Željka Gajski, MSc in Nursing (Varaždin General Hospital), and Asst. Prof. Nives Pondeljak, PhD (Varaždin General Hospital) have joined the project as external collaborators.
Leader
izv. prof. dr. sc. Marijana Neuberg
Collaborators
doc. dr. sc. Krešimir Martić
dr. sc. Duško Kardum
dr. sc. Krunoslav Capak
dr. sc. Tina Košanski
Nives Pondeljak
doc. dr. sc. Damir Poljak
dr. sc. Ivana Herak
Zoran Žeželj
Valentina Vincek
Mateja Križaj Grabant
Publications
-
Equipment
Last updated
30.09.2026 07:47
Sveučilište Sjever
Sveučilišni centar Koprivnica
Trg dr. Žarka Dolinara 1
48000 Koprivnica
Sveučilišni centar Varaždin
Jurja Križanića 31b
42000 Varaždin