Scientists at the University of Manchester in the UK last week showed their magic carpet made of  plastic optical fibers, that bend when anyone treads on it and relay the activity to a computer which in turn can map, in real-time, their walking patterns.

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"Tiny electronics at the edges act as sensors and relay signals to a computer. These signals can then be analyzed to show the image of the footprint and identify gradual changes in walking behavior or a sudden incident such as a fall or trip. They can also show a steady deterioration or change in walking habits, possibly predicting a dramatic episode such as a fall," the scientists stated.

As many as 30%-40% of older people fall each year. It is the most serious and frequent accident in the home and accounts for 50% of hospital admissions in the over 65 age group, the scientists stated.

The scientists said the technology could be used in homes or hospital wards and that physiotherapists could use the carpet to map changes and improvements in a person's gait. The imaging technology could even be developed to detect the presence of chemical spillages or fire as an early-warning system, the scientists stated. 

"The carpet can gather a wide range of information about a person's condition; from biomechanical to chemical sensing of body fluids, enabling holistic sensing to provide an environment that detects and responds to changes in patient condition. The carpet can be retrofitted at low cost, to allow living space to adapt as the occupiers' needs evolve - particularly relevant with an aging population and for those with long term disabilities - and incorporated non-intrusively into any living space or furniture surface such as a mattress or wall that a patient interacts with," said Dr. Patricia Scully from The University of Manchester's Photon Science Institute in a statement.