Background
This research was centered on reducing the risk of hip fracture and other fall-related injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), specifically among the older population.
Goals
The purpose of this intervention strategy investigated was to reduce the stiffness of the floor in environments containing high densities of seniors such as retirement homes, senior centers, hospitals, and physical rehabilitation wards. The focus was on investigating the efficacy of several commercially available floors to absorb energy during simulated fall-impacts whilst resisting deflection (a determinant of balance ability) during simulated gait and stance.
Summary of Findings
Simulated impact and gait & stance tests using a servohydraulic materials testing system were processed, filtered and analyzed with MATLAB. It is anticipated that an appropriate flooring surface would help reduce the incidence and risk of hip-fractures and other fall-related injuries among seniors.
