2001/08/17 by Radostina K. Koleva, Koleva, Radostina K., A. Widom +24
Computer Science · Physics and Astronomy · #Experimental and Theoretical Physics Studies #FOS: Physical sciences #Music Technology and Sound Studies #Soft Condensed Matter (cond-mat.soft) #cond-mat.soft
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.cond-mat/0108281
4 Pages in ReVTeX 4 Format; Three *.eps Figures
arxiv created 2001/08/17 · openalex publication_date 2001/08/17 · arxiv updated 2009/11/30 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Experimental evidence is presented connecting small fluctuations in the posture of a quiet standing subject and the probability that the subject will have an accidental fall within a time period of one year. The data can be understood on the basis of random velocity fluctuations providing kinetic energy in dynamical posture modes. The kinetic energy can activate a transition over the a potential energy barrier which keeps subjects in a metastable standing mode. The probability for a fall then follows an Arrhenius activation law.