System and methods for monitoring the spine, balance, gait, or posture of a patient

A system for monitoring a user, the system comprising:

• a sensor unit configured and arranged to be disposed on the user, the sensor unit comprising an accelerometer and a communication arrangement;
• and
• at least one processor configured and arranged for performing actions comprising:
• receiving signals from the accelerometer of the sensor unit;
• determining a gait velocity from the signals;
• determining a posture deviation from the signals;
• and
• determining a fall prediction score as a function of the gait velocity and the posture deviation, wherein determining the fall prediction score comprises determining a score for each of the gait velocity and posture deviation using measurements and combining the scores to obtain the fall prediction score.

A system for monitoring a user, the system comprising:

• a sensor unit configured and arranged to be disposed on the user, the sensor unit comprising an accelerometer and a communication arrangement and at least one processor configured and arranged for performing actions comprising:
• receiving signals from the accelerometer of the sensor unit determining a gait velocity from the signals;
• determining a posture deviation from the signals;
• determining a fall prediction score as a function of the gait velocity and the posture deviation;
• and
• performing an action selected from provide a warning to the user or a clinician if the fall prediction score meets a threshold criterion;
• altering a treatment, a physical therapy regimen, or an exercise regimen based on the fall prediction score;
• recommending an alteration of a treatment, a physical therapy regimen, or an exercise regimen based on the fall prediction score;
• or providing a preliminary or final diagnosis based on the fall prediction score.