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Huang Q, Zhou Z, Kleiven S. Effectiveness of energy absorbing floors in reducing hip fractures risk among elderly women during sideways falls. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2024; 157:106659. [PMID: 39029349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2024.106659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Falls among the elderly cause a huge number of hip fractures worldwide. Energy absorbing floors (EAFs) represent a promising strategy to decrease impact force and hip fracture risk during falls. Femoral neck force is an effective predictor of hip injury. However, the biomechanical effectiveness of EAFs in terms of mitigating femoral neck force remains largely unknown. To address this, a whole-body computational model representing a small-size elderly woman with a biofidelic representation of the soft tissue near the hip region was employed in this study, to measure the attenuation in femoral neck force provided by four commercially available EAFs (Igelkott, Kradal, SmartCells, and OmniSports). The body was positioned with the highest hip force with a -10∘ trunk angle and +10∘ anterior pelvis rotation. At a pelvis impact velocity of 3 m/s, the peak force attenuation provided by four EAFs ranged from 5% to 19%. The risk of hip fractures also demonstrates a similar attenuation range. The results also exhibited that floors had more energy transferred to their internal energy demonstrated greater force attenuation during sideways falls. By comparing the biomechanical effectiveness of existing EAFs, these results can improve the floor design that offers better protection performance in high-fall-risk environments for the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Huang
- Division of Neuronic Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Zhou Zhou
- Division of Neuronic Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svein Kleiven
- Division of Neuronic Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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O'Leary CET, Wilkinson TJ, Hanger HC. A comparison of changes in drug burden index between older inpatients who fell and people who have not fallen: A case-control study. Australas J Ageing 2024. [PMID: 38770595 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Older inpatients who fall are often frail, with multiple co-morbidities and polypharmacy. Although the causes of falls are multifactorial, sedating and delirium-inducing drugs increase that risk. The aims were to determine whether people who fell had a change in their sedative and anticholinergic medication burden during an admission compared to people who did not fall. A secondary aim was to determine the factors associated with change in drug burden. METHODS A retrospective, observational, case-control study of inpatients who fell. Two hundred consecutive people who fell were compared with 200 randomly selected people who had not fallen. Demographics, functional ability, frailty and cognition were recorded. For each patient, their total medications and anticholinergic and sedative burden were calculated on admission and on discharge, using the drug burden index (DBI). RESULTS People who fell were more dependent and cognitively impaired than people who did not fallen. People who fell had a higher DBI on admission, than people who had not fall (mean: .69 vs .43, respectively, p < .001) and discharge (.66 vs .38, p < .001). For both cohorts, the DBI decreased between admission and discharge (-.03 and -.05), but neither were clinically significant. Higher total medications and a higher number DBI medications on admission were both associated with greater DBI changes (p = .003 and <.001, respectively). However, the presence (or absence) of cognitive impairment, dependency, frailty and single vs multiple falls were not significantly associated with DBI changes. CONCLUSIONS In older people, DBI medications and falls are both common and have serious consequences, yet this study was unable to demonstrate any clinically relevant reduction in average DBI either in people who fell or people who had not fallen during a hospital admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E T O'Leary
- Older Persons Health, Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand)-Waitaha, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Timothy J Wilkinson
- Older Persons Health, Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand)-Waitaha, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - H Carl Hanger
- Older Persons Health, Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand)-Waitaha, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Gustavsson J, Nilson F, Bonander C. Compliant sports floors and fall-related injuries: evidence from a residential care setting and updated meta-analysis for all patient care settings. Inj Prev 2023; 29:283-289. [PMID: 36564164 PMCID: PMC10423535 DOI: 10.1136/ip-2022-044713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compliant flooring may prevent fall injuries in residential care, but evidence is inconclusive. We investigate compliant sports floors and fall-related injuries in a residential care setting and update a meta-analysis from a recent systematic review on compliant flooring. METHODS A non-randomised study comparing outcomes in a residential care unit that installed sports flooring in bedrooms with four units with regular flooring in a Norwegian municipality (n=193). Data on falls were collected for a period of 46 months (323 falls on sports flooring; 414 on regular flooring). Outcomes were injurious falls per person bed-day, falls per person bed-day and injury risks per fall. Confounding was adjusted for using Andersen-Gill proportional hazards and log-binomial regression models. Random-effects inverse variance models were used to pool estimates. RESULTS Injurious fall rates were 13% lower in the unit with sports flooring (adjusted HR (aHR): 0.87 (95% CI: 0.55 to 1.37)). There was limited evidence of adverse effects on fall rates (aHR: 0.93 (95% CI: 0.63 to 1.38)) and the injury risk per fall was lower in fall events that occurred on sports floors (adjusted relative risk (RR): 0.75 (95% CI: 0.53 to 1.08)). Pooling these estimates with previous research added precision, but the overall pattern was the same (pooled RR for injurious falls: 0.66 (95% CI: 0.39 to 1.12); fall rates: 0.87 (95% CI: 0.68 to 1.12); injury risks per fall: 0.71 (95% CI: 0.52 to 0.97)). CONCLUSION Sports floors may be an alternative to novel shock-absorbing floors in care settings; however, more research is needed to improve precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Gustavsson
- Department of Political, Historical, Religious and Cultural Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
- Centre for Public Safety, Karlstads Universitet, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Finn Nilson
- Department of Political, Historical, Religious and Cultural Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
- Centre for Public Safety, Karlstads Universitet, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Carl Bonander
- Centre for Public Safety, Karlstads Universitet, Karlstad, Sweden
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Morris ME, Webster K, Jones C, Hill AM, Haines T, McPhail S, Kiegaldie D, Slade S, Jazayeri D, Heng H, Shorr R, Carey L, Barker A, Cameron I. Interventions to reduce falls in hospitals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6581612. [PMID: 35524748 PMCID: PMC9078046 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls remain a common and debilitating problem in hospitals worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of falls prevention interventions on falls rates and the risk of falling in hospital. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. PARTICIPANTS Hospitalised adults. INTERVENTION Prevention methods included staff and patient education, environmental modifications, assistive devices, policies and systems, rehabilitation, medication management and management of cognitive impairment. We evaluated single and multi-factorial approaches. OUTCOME MEASURES Falls rate ratios (rate ratio: RaR) and falls risk, as defined by the odds of being a faller in the intervention compared to control group (odds ratio: OR). RESULTS There were 43 studies that satisfied the systematic review criteria and 23 were included in meta-analyses. There was marked heterogeneity in intervention methods and study designs. The only intervention that yielded a significant result in the meta-analysis was education, with a reduction in falls rates (RaR = 0.70 [0.51-0.96], P = 0.03) and the odds of falling (OR = 0.62 [0.47-0.83], P = 0.001). The patient and staff education studies in the meta-analysis were of high quality on the GRADE tool. Individual trials in the systematic review showed evidence for clinician education, some multi-factorial interventions, select rehabilitation therapies, and systems, with low to moderate risk of bias. CONCLUSION Patient and staff education can reduce hospital falls. Multi-factorial interventions had a tendency towards producing a positive impact. Chair alarms, bed alarms, wearable sensors and use of scored risk assessment tools were not associated with significant fall reductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg E Morris
- La Trobe University Academic and Research Collaborative in Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,The Victorian Rehabilitation Centre, Healthscope, Glen Waverley, Victoria, Australia,Address correspondence to: Meg E. Morris, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3186, Australia.
| | - Kate Webster
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cathy Jones
- La Trobe University Academic and Research Collaborative in Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anne-Marie Hill
- Western Australian Centre for Health & Ageing, School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Terry Haines
- School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steven McPhail
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation and Centre for Healthcare Transformation, School of Public Health & Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Australia,Digital Health and Informatics Directorate, Metro South Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Debra Kiegaldie
- Holmesglen Institute and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susan Slade
- La Trobe University Academic and Research Collaborative in Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dana Jazayeri
- La Trobe University Academic and Research Collaborative in Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hazel Heng
- La Trobe University Academic and Research Collaborative in Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ronald Shorr
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Malcom Randall VAMC, Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Leeanne Carey
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anna Barker
- School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,Silver Chain, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian Cameron
- John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, Northern Sydney Local Health District and The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Drahota A, Felix LM, Raftery J, Keenan BE, Lachance CC, Mackey DC, Markham C, Laing AC, Farrell-Savage K, Okunribido O. Shock-absorbing flooring for fall-related injury prevention in older adults and staff in hospitals and care homes: the SAFEST systematic review. Health Technol Assess 2022; 26:1-196. [PMID: 35089119 DOI: 10.3310/zowl2323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injurious falls in hospitals and care homes are a life-limiting and costly international issue. Shock-absorbing flooring may offer part of the solution; however, evidence is required to inform decision-making. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of shock-absorbing flooring for fall-related injury prevention among older adults in care settings. REVIEW METHODS A systematic review was conducted of experimental, observational, qualitative and economic studies evaluating flooring in care settings targeting older adults and/or staff. Studies identified by a scoping review (inception to May 2016) were screened, and the search of MEDLINE, AgeLine and Scopus (to September 2019) was updated, alongside other sources. Two independent reviewers assessed risk of bias in duplicate (using Cochrane's Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions tool, or the Joanna Briggs Institute's qualitative tool). RESULTS Of the 22 included studies, 20 assessed the outcomes (three randomised controlled trials; and seven observational, five qualitative and five economic studies) on novel floors (n = 12), sports floors (n = 5), carpet (n = 5) and wooden subfloors (n = 1). Quantitative data related to 11,857 patient/resident falls (nine studies) and 163 staff injuries (one study). Qualitative studies included patients/residents (n = 20), visitors (n = 8) and staff (n = 119). Hospital-based randomised controlled trial data were too imprecise; however, very low-quality evidence indicated that novel/sports flooring reduced injurious falls from three per 1000 patients per day on vinyl with concrete subfloors to two per 1000 patients per day (rate ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.36 to 0.84; two studies), without increasing falls rates (two studies). One care home-based randomised controlled trial found that a novel underlay produces similar injurious falls rates (high-quality evidence) and falls rates (moderate-quality evidence) to those of a plywood underlay with vinyl overlays and concrete subfloors. Very low-quality data demonstrated that, compared with rigid floors, novel/sports flooring reduced the number of falls resulting in injury in care homes (26.4% vs. 33.0%; risk ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.70 to 0.91; three studies) and hospitals (27.1% vs. 42.4%; risk ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.44 to 0.93; two studies). Fracture and head injury outcomes were imprecise; however, hip fractures reduced from 30 per 1000 falls on concrete to 18 per 1000 falls on wooden subfloors in care homes (odds ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.45 to 0.78; one study; very low-quality evidence). Four low-quality economic studies concluded that shock-absorbing flooring reduced costs and improved outcomes (three studies), or increased costs and improved outcomes (one study). One, more robust, study estimated that shock-absorbing flooring resulted in fewer quality-adjusted life-years and lower costs, if the number of falls increased on shock-absorbing floors, but that shock-absorbing flooring would be a dominant economic strategy if the number of falls remained the same. Staff found moving wheeled equipment more difficult on shock-absorbing floors, leading to workplace adaptations. Staff injuries were observed; however, very low-quality evidence suggests that these are no less frequent on rigid floors. LIMITATIONS Evidence favouring shock-absorbing flooring is of very low quality; thus, much uncertainty remains. CONCLUSIONS Robust evidence is lacking in hospitals and indicates that one novel floor may not be effective in care homes. Very low-quality evidence indicates that shock-absorbing floors may be beneficial; however, wider workplace implications need to be addressed. Work is required to establish a core outcome set, and future research needs to more comprehensively deal with confounding and the paucity of hospital-based studies, and better plan for workplace adaptations in the study design. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42019118834. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 5. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Drahota
- School of Health and Care Professions, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Lambert M Felix
- School of Health and Care Professions, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - James Raftery
- Wessex Institute, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | | | - Dawn C Mackey
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Chris Markham
- School of Health and Care Professions, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Andrew C Laing
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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6
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Drahota A, Felix LM, Raftery J, Keenan BE, Lachance CC, Mackey DC, Markham C, Laing AC. The SAFEST review: a mixed methods systematic review of shock-absorbing flooring for fall-related injury prevention. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:32. [PMID: 34991466 PMCID: PMC8739972 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02670-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shock-absorbing flooring may minimise impact forces incurred from falls to reduce fall-related injuries; however, synthesized evidence is required to inform decision-making in hospitals and care homes. METHODS This is a Health Technology Assessment mixed methods systematic review of flooring interventions targeting older adults and staff in care settings. Our search incorporated the findings from a previous scoping review, MEDLINE, AgeLine, and Scopus (to September 2019) and other sources. Two independent reviewers selected, assessed, and extracted data from studies. We assessed risk of bias using Cochrane and Joanna Briggs Institute tools, undertook meta-analyses, and meta-aggregation. RESULTS 20 of 22 included studies assessed our outcomes (3 Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs); 7 observational; 5 qualitative; 5 economic), on novel floors (N = 12), sports floors (N = 5), carpet (N = 5), and wooden sub-floors (N = 1). Quantitative data related to 11,857 patient falls (9 studies), and 163 staff injuries (1 study). One care home-based RCT found a novel underlay produced similar injurious falls rates (high-quality evidence) and falls rates (moderate-quality evidence) to a plywood underlay with vinyl overlay and concrete sub-floors. Very low-quality evidence suggested that shock-absorbing flooring may reduce injuries in hospitals (Rate Ratio 0.55, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.84, 2 studies; 27.1% vs. 42.4%; Risk Ratio (RR) = 0.64, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.93, 2 studies) and care homes (26.4% vs. 33.0%; RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.91, 3 studies), without increasing falls. Economic evidence indicated that if injuries are fewer and falls not increased, then shock-absorbing flooring would be a dominant strategy. Fracture outcomes were imprecise; however, hip fractures reduced from 30 in 1000 falls on concrete to 18 in 1000 falls on wooden sub-floors (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.78; one study; very low-quality evidence). Staff found moving wheeled equipment harder on shock-absorbing floors leading to workplace adaptations. Very low-quality evidence suggests staff injuries were no less frequent on rigid floors. CONCLUSION Evidence favouring shock-absorbing flooring is uncertain and of very low quality. Robust research following a core outcome set is required, with attention to wider staff workplace implications. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42019118834 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Drahota
- School of Health and Care Professions, University of Portsmouth, St. Andrew's Court, St. Michael's Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2PR, UK.
| | - Lambert M Felix
- International Centre for Evidence in Disability, Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - James Raftery
- Wessex Institute, University of Southampton, Alpha House, Enterprise Road, Southampton, SO16 7NS, UK
| | - Bethany E Keenan
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Queen's Buildings, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK
| | - Chantelle C Lachance
- School of Health and Care Professions, University of Portsmouth, St. Andrew's Court, St. Michael's Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2PR, UK
| | - Dawn C Mackey
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive East, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Chris Markham
- School of Health and Care Professions, University of Portsmouth, St. Andrew's Court, St. Michael's Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2PR, UK
| | - Andrew C Laing
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, B.C. Matthews Hall, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada
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Abey-Nesbit R, Schluter PJ, Wilkinson TJ, Thwaites JH, Berry SD, Allore H, Jamieson HA. Risk factors for injuries in New Zealand older adults with complex needs: a national population retrospective study. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:630. [PMID: 34736406 PMCID: PMC8567659 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02576-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls and falls-related injuries are common among older adults. Injuries in older adults lead to poor outcomes and lower quality of life. The objective of our study was to identify factors associated with fall-related injuries among home care clients in New Zealand. METHODS The study cohort consisted of 75,484 community-dwelling people aged 65 years or older who underwent an interRAI home care assessment between June 2012 and June 2018 in New Zealand. The injuries included for analysis were fracture of the distal radius, hip fracture, pelvic fracture, proximal humerus fracture, subarachnoid haemorrhage, traumatic subdural haematoma, and vertebral fracture. Unadjusted and adjusted competing risk regression models were used to identify factors associated with fall-related injuries. RESULTS A total of 7414 (9.8%) people sustained a falls-related injury over the 6-year period, and most injuries sustained were hip fractures (4735 63.9%). The rate of injurious falls was 47 per 1000 person-years. The factors associated with injury were female sex, older age, living alone, Parkinson's disease, stroke/CVA, falls, unsteady gait, tobacco use, and being underweight. Cancer, dyspnoea, high BMI, and a decrease in the amount of food or fluid usually consumed, were associated with a reduced risk of sustaining an injury. After censoring hip fractures the risks associated with other types of injury were sex, age, previous falls, dyspnoea, tobacco use, and BMI. CONCLUSIONS While it is important to reduce the risk of falls, it is especially important to reduce the risk of falls-related injuries. Knowledge of risk factors associated with these types of injuries can help to develop focused intervention programmes and development of a predictive model to identify those who would benefit from intervention programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Abey-Nesbit
- Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Philip J Schluter
- School of Health Sciences, University of Canterbury-Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha, Christchurch, New Zealand.,School of Clinical Medicine - Primary Care Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tim J Wilkinson
- Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Sarah D Berry
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.,Hebrew Senior Life, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Heather Allore
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hamish A Jamieson
- Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Komisar V, Robinovitch SN. The Role of Fall Biomechanics in the Cause and Prevention of Bone Fractures in Older Adults. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2021; 19:381-390. [PMID: 34105101 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-021-00685-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Adults over age 65 experience the highest rates of bone fracture, and 90% of fractures in older adults are caused by falls from standing height or lower. Advances in fracture prevention rely on our ability to prevent falls, reduce the severity of falls, and enhance the resistance of bone to trauma. To help guide these efforts, we need improved understanding on the types of falls that cause fractures. RECENT FINDINGS In this review, we describe recent evidence on how the mechanics of falls in older adults influence the risk for fractures to the hip, wrist, vertebrae, and humerus. We discuss how fracture risk depends on fall height, fall direction, and landing configuration. We also review the benefits of exercise, wearable protective gear, and environmental modifications in preventing fractures in older adults. Our findings highlight promising new directions in fracture prevention, and the need for collaboration between the bone and falls research communities to implement proven strategies and generate new solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Komisar
- School of Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Stephen Neil Robinovitch
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada.
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Keenan BE, Hallas K, Drahota AK, Evans SL. A comparison of floor surfaces for injury prevention in care settings: impact forces and horizontal pulling force required to move wheeled equipment. Osteoporos Int 2020; 31:2383-2394. [PMID: 32647950 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-020-05520-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Shock-absorbing flooring is one potential solution to prevent fall-related injuries. No standards exist to characterize shock-absorbing healthcare flooring. This study explores two mechanical tests for impact force reduction and horizontal force required to move wheeled objects. An appropriately designed rubber underlay can reduce peak impact by 25% compared with 1% with standard vinyl. INTRODUCTION Severe falls often occur in hospitals and care homes. Shock-absorbing flooring is one potential solution to prevent fall-related injuries; however, no standards exist for characterizing flooring as an injury prevention measure. Shock-absorbing flooring use in high-risk settings may influence both patients (injury-saving potential) and staff (manoeuvring equipment). We aimed to explore two tests to characterize floors, to determine shock absorbency and horizontal pulling force required to move wheeled objects. METHODS Mechanical testing was performed according to the Canadian Standards Association Z325 Hip Protectors document. This test was developed for hip protectors but is applicable to compliant surfaces that form part of the floor. Tests were performed on commercially available floor materials (suitable for care settings) to assess the force required to initiate movement of a wheeled object across the floor. We explored the relationships between horizontal force required to pull wheeled objects, impact force, floor thickness, and core material. RESULTS Considerable differences were identified between floor samples in their ability to reduce the peak impact force (range 0.7-25%). A peak force reduction of up to 25% can be achieved with a specially designed rubber underlay. Horizontal pulling force increased with floor thickness but was lower for rubber floors. There was no direct relationship between impact attenuation and horizontal pulling force. Whilst thickness and core material explain some variations (66.5% for wheel movement; 82.3% for impact), other unmeasured factors clearly influence floor performance. CONCLUSIONS These results can inform the development of flooring and the establishment of standards needed to underpin practice, research, and development in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Keenan
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University Queen's Buildings, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK.
| | - K Hallas
- Science Division, Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Harpur Hill, Derbyshire, Buxton, SK17 9JN, UK
| | - A K Drahota
- School of Health & Care Professions, University of Portsmouth, Hampshire, Portsmouth, PO1 2PR, UK
| | - S L Evans
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University Queen's Buildings, The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK
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Abstract
Introduction: Low impact flooring (LIF) has shown potential for reducing fall-related injuries for older people in residential care or hospital environments. However, the increased rolling resistance when moving equipment on these floors has raised concerns that staff injuries may increase.Methods: LIF was trialled on one Older Persons Health ward for 2.5 years. Reported staff injuries were monitored during and following the trial. Numbers of staff injured on the LIF ward were compared with three other similar and adjacent OPH wards without LIF for the duration of the trial ('concurrent control' evaluation). At the trial conclusion the LIF ward moved to a different hospital that had standard flooring. This enabled a further 'during and after' evaluation where numbers of staff injured from the LIF ward during the trial were compared with those reported afterwards by the same ward staff without LIF.Results: There was no difference in the numbers of staff injured in the LIF ward compared with the concurrent control wards (28 LIF vs 30 control; p = 0.44). The number of staff with injuries in the LIF ward also did not significantly alter when those staff moved to a new ward without LIF (45 after vs 28 before; p = 0.11).Conclusion: There was no change in the numbers of staff with injuries during the LIF trial in an Older Persons Health ward. This small study suggests LIF appears safe for both patients and staff.Implications for rehabilitationFalls in hospital are common with patient injuries occurring in approximately 20-30% of falls.Low impact (compliant) flooring may reduce fall-related injuries in hospitals and residential care.Low impact flooring has an increased rolling resistance, which has the potential to increase staff injuries when moving equipment.This study found no change in the number of staff injured during a low impact flooring trial providing some reassurance that these floors are safe for staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Hanger
- Canterbury District Health Board, Geriatrician, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Tim J Wilkinson
- Canterbury District Health Board, Geriatrician, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Martin RA, Dickie B, Skinner H, Hurring S, Marshall R, Hanger HC. Implementing a 'Safe Recovery' fall prevention program: Refining intervention theory using realist methods. Australas J Ageing 2020; 39:e259-e270. [PMID: 32329242 DOI: 10.1111/ajag.12795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This research aimed to explain how the Safe Recovery Programme (SRP) may best work to reduce falls in older adults undergoing rehabilitation in four wards in an older person's health and rehabilitation service. METHODS Qualitative realist methods were used, including surveys completed by patients and staff, and qualitative interviews or focus groups exploring views of patients, ward staff and SRP educators. RESULTS Emphasising different types of information for patients with different pre-existing understandings may facilitate their responses to SRP messaging. Consistency and coherence of SRP messaging within ward routines varied in response to staff SRP training and ongoing feedback mechanisms from SRP educators. CONCLUSIONS Tailored individualised approaches for patients with specific characteristics may lead to patients being less likely to engage in risky behaviours. Staff training and processes for facilitating ongoing feedback between patients, SRP and ward staff are required to ensure consistency and coherence of SRP messaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle A Martin
- Burwood Academy of Independent Living, Christchurch, New Zealand.,Rehabilitation Research and Teaching Unit, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Benn Dickie
- Older Persons Health Specialist Service, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Helen Skinner
- Older Persons Health Specialist Service, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Hurring
- Older Persons Health Specialist Service, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Rachel Marshall
- Older Persons Health Specialist Service, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Hugh Carl Hanger
- Older Persons Health Specialist Service, Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand.,University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Drahota A, Felix LM, Keenan BE, Lachance CC, Laing A, Mackey DC, Raftery J. Protocol for the SAFEST review: the Shock-Absorbing Flooring Effectiveness SysTematic review including older adults and staff in hospitals and care homes. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e032315. [PMID: 32071174 PMCID: PMC7044972 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-032315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Falls in hospitals and care homes are a major issue of international concern. Inpatient falls are the most commonly reported safety incident in the UK's National Health Service (NHS), costing the NHS £630 million a year. Injurious falls are particularly life-limiting and costly. There is a growing body of evidence on shock-absorbing flooring for fall-related injury prevention; however, no systematic review exists to inform practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will systematically identify, appraise and summarise studies investigating the clinical and cost-effectiveness, and experiences of shock-absorbing flooring in hospitals and care homes. Our search will build on an extensive search conducted by a scoping review (inception to May 2016). We will search electronic databases (AgeLine, CINAHL, MEDLINE, NHS Economic Evaluation Database, Scopus and Web of Science; May 2016-present), trial registries and grey literature. We will conduct backward and forward citation searches of included studies, and liaise with study researchers. We will evaluate the influence of floors on fall-related injuries, falls and staff work-related injuries through randomised and non-randomised studies, consider economic and qualitative evidence, and implementation factors. We will consider risk of bias, assess heterogeneity and explore potential effect modifiers via subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses. Where appropriate we will combine studies through meta-analysis. We will use the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) approach to evaluate the quality of evidence and present the results using summary of findings tables, and adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guidelines. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION We will follow the ethical principles of systematic review conduct, by attending to publication ethics, transparency and rigour. Our dissemination plan includes peer-reviewed publication, presentations, press release, stakeholder symposium, patient video and targeted knowledge-to-action reports. This review will inform decision-making around falls management in care settings and identify important directions for future research. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42019118834.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Drahota
- School of Health & Care Professions, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK
| | - Lambert M Felix
- School of Health & Care Professions, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK
| | - Bethany E Keenan
- School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, UK
| | - Chantelle C Lachance
- School of Health & Care Professions, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK
| | - Andrew Laing
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dawn C Mackey
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James Raftery
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
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13
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Mackey DC, Lachance CC, Wang PT, Feldman F, Laing AC, Leung PM, Hu XJ, Robinovitch SN. The Flooring for Injury Prevention (FLIP) Study of compliant flooring for the prevention of fall-related injuries in long-term care: A randomized trial. PLoS Med 2019; 16:e1002843. [PMID: 31233541 PMCID: PMC6590787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fall-related injuries exert an enormous health burden on older adults in long-term care (LTC). Softer landing surfaces, such as those provided by low-stiffness "compliant" flooring, may prevent fall-related injuries by decreasing the forces applied to the body during fall impact. Our primary objective was to assess the clinical effectiveness of compliant flooring at preventing serious fall-related injuries among LTC residents. METHODS AND FINDINGS The Flooring for Injury Prevention (FLIP) Study was a 4-year, randomized superiority trial in 150 single-occupancy resident rooms at a single Canadian LTC site. In April 2013, resident rooms were block randomized (1:1) to installation of intervention compliant flooring (2.54 cm SmartCells) or rigid control flooring (2.54 cm plywood) covered with identical hospital-grade vinyl. The primary outcome was serious fall-related injury over 4 years that required an emergency department visit or hospital admission and a treatment procedure or diagnostic evaluation in hospital. Secondary outcomes included minor fall-related injury, any fall-related injury, falls, and fracture. Outcomes were ascertained by blinded assessors between September 1, 2013 and August 31, 2017 and analyzed by intention to treat. Adverse outcomes were not assessed. During follow-up, 184 residents occupied 74 intervention rooms, and 173 residents occupied 76 control rooms. Residents were 64.3% female with mean (SD) baseline age 81.7 (9.5) years (range 51.1 to 104.6 years), body mass index 25.9 (7.7) kg/m2, and follow-up 1.64 (1.39) years. 1,907 falls were reported; 23 intervention residents experienced 38 serious injuries (from 29 falls in 22 rooms), while 23 control residents experienced 47 serious injuries (from 34 falls in 23 rooms). Compliant flooring did not affect odds of ≥1 serious fall-related injury (12.5% intervention versus 13.3% control, odds ratio [OR]: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.52 to 1.84, p = 0.950) or ≥2 serious fall-related injuries (5.4% versus 7.5%, OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.31 to 1.75, p = 0.500). Compliant flooring did not affect rate of serious fall-related injuries (0.362 versus 0.422 per 1,000 bed nights, rate ratio [RR]: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.45 to 2.39, p = 0.925; 0.038 versus 0.053 per fall, RR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.38 to 1.71, p = 0.560), rate of falls with ≥1 serious fall-related injury (0.276 versus 0.303 per 1,000 bed nights, RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.52 to 1.79, p = 0.920), or time to first serious fall-related injury (0.237 versus 0.257, hazard ratio [HR]: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.52 to 1.62, p = 0.760). Compliant flooring did not affect any secondary outcome in this study. Study limitations included the following: findings were specific to 2.54 cm SmartCells compliant flooring installed in LTC resident rooms, standard fall and injury prevention interventions were in use throughout the study and may have influenced the observed effect of compliant flooring, and challenges with concussion detection in LTC residents may have prevented estimation of the effect of compliant flooring on fall-related concussions. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to results from previous retrospective and nonrandomized studies, this study found that compliant flooring underneath hospital-grade vinyl was not effective at preventing serious fall-related injuries in LTC. Future studies are needed to identify effective methods for preventing fall-related injuries in LTC. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01618786.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn C. Mackey
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Chantelle C. Lachance
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peiwei T. Wang
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fabio Feldman
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Clinical Quality & Patient Safety, Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Andrew C. Laing
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pet M. Leung
- New Vista Society Care Home, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - X. Joan Hu
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephen N. Robinovitch
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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Losco EL, Hanger HC, Wilkinson TJ. Ease of Walking on Low-Impact Flooring in Frail Older People. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2019; 20:385-386. [PMID: 30824221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Losco
- Older Persons Health Specialist Service, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - H Carl Hanger
- Older Persons Health Specialist Service, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Timothy J Wilkinson
- Older Persons Health Specialist Service, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
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Arkusz K, Klekiel T, Sławiński G, Będziński R. Influence of energy absorbers on Malgaigne fracture mechanism in lumbar-pelvic system under vertical impact load. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2019; 22:313-323. [PMID: 30621455 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2018.1553238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Malgaigne fractures are the most common and widespread pelvic injuries resulting from the shear forces the action mechanism of which has not been explained in the literature yet. Military accidents with improvised explosive devices (IED) perfectly reflect this type of pelvic fracture. The finite element (FE) model of lumbar-pelvic complex (LPC) was developed based on computed tomography (CT) scans with the seat including steel frame, padding and soft tissue. The correlation coefficients of both low (100 N) and high (500 N) loads were greater than that currently obtained in the literature due to the presence of muscle force, pubic symphysis and joint cartilage. The dynamic analysis was performed to determine the influence of varying kinds of foam materials i.e. polyurethane, aluminium honeycomb structured and polyurethane auxetic foam on the stress/strain distribution in LPC under vertical impact load with the velocity of 7 m/s. Performed analysis showed the first fracture occurred in the L5 vertebrae resulting in the sacroiliac ligaments disruption and stress concentration in the pelvic ring causing further fractures of the wing of ilium, pubis and ischium bones. This results clearly explain the inconclusive findings about the second fracture that occurs in the pelvic area under a vertical impact load. The applied seat padding foam significantly reduced the stresses transmitted to the anatomical structures, thereby avoiding the risk of pelvic fracture. The analysis has proven that the auxetic polyurethane foam can be used as a good energy absorber.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Arkusz
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering , Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zielona Gora , Zielona Gora , Poland
| | - T Klekiel
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering , Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zielona Gora , Zielona Gora , Poland
| | - G Sławiński
- b Department of Mechanics and Applied Computer Science , Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Military University of Technology , Warsaw , Poland
| | - R Będziński
- a Department of Biomedical Engineering , Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zielona Gora , Zielona Gora , Poland
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Lachance CC, Korall AMB, Russell CM, Feldman F, Robinovitch SN, Mackey DC. Hand forces exerted by long-term care staff when pushing wheelchairs on compliant and non-compliant flooring. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2018; 71:95-101. [PMID: 29764620 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose-designed compliant flooring and carpeting have been promoted as a means for reducing fall-related injuries in high-risk environments, such as long-term care. However, it is not known whether these surfaces influence the forces that long-term care staff exert when pushing residents in wheelchairs. We studied 14 direct-care staff who pushed a loaded wheelchair instrumented with a triaxial load cell to test the effects on hand force of flooring overlay (vinyl versus carpet) and flooring subfloor (concrete versus compliant rubber [brand: SmartCells]). During straight-line pushing, carpet overlay increased initial and sustained hand forces compared to vinyl overlay by 22-49% over a concrete subfloor and by 8-20% over a compliant subfloor. Compliant subflooring increased initial and sustained hand forces compared to concrete subflooring by 18-31% when under a vinyl overlay. In contrast, compliant flooring caused no change in initial or sustained hand forces compared to concrete subflooring when under a carpet overlay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantelle C Lachance
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, V5Z 1M9, British Columbia, Canada; Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, M5B 1W8, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Alexandra M B Korall
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, V5Z 1M9, British Columbia, Canada; George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Third Floor Chown Building, 753 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, R3E 0T6, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Colin M Russell
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, V5Z 1M9, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fabio Feldman
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, V5Z 1M9, British Columbia, Canada; Patient Safety and Injury Prevention, Central City Tower, 400-13450 102nd Ave, Surrey, V3T 5X3, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephen N Robinovitch
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, V5Z 1M9, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Dawn C Mackey
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Faculty of Science, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, V5A 1S6, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2635 Laurel Street, Vancouver, V5Z 1M9, British Columbia, Canada.
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A quasi-experimental evaluation of compliant flooring in a residential care setting. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201290. [PMID: 30048517 PMCID: PMC6062098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fall injuries affect the lives of older people to a substantial degree. This quasi-experimental observational study investigates the potential fall injury reducing effect of a compliant flooring in a residential care setting. METHODS The allocation of the compliant flooring was non-random. Data on fall-events and individual characteristics were collected in a residential care unit during a period of 68 months. The primary outcome was the fall injury rate per fall, and a logistic regression analysis was used to test for the effect of complaint flooring. Falls per 1000 bed days was the secondary outcome, used to measure the difference in fall risk on compliant flooring versus regular flooring. RESULTS The event dataset is an unbalanced panel with repeated observations on 114 individuals, with 70% women. The mean age was 84.9 years of age, the average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 24.7, and there was a mean of 6.57 (SD: 15.28) falls per individual. The unadjusted effect estimate showed a non-significant relative risk injury reduction of 29% per fall (RR 0.71 [95% CI: 0.46-1.09]) compared to regular flooring. Re-estimating, excluding identified outliers, showed an injury risk reduction of 63% (RR 0.37 [95% CI: 0.25-0.54]). Falls per 1000 bed days showed that individuals living in apartments with compliant flooring had a fall rate of 5.3 per 1000 bed days compared to a fall rate of 8.4 per 1000 bed days among individuals living in regular apartments. This corresponds to an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.63 (95% exact Poisson CI: 0.50-0.80). CONCLUSION The results of this non-randomized study indicate that compliant flooring has the potential to reduce the risk of fall injury without increasing the fall risk among older people in a Swedish residential care setting.
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