Help improve hip fracture protection clothing

What do you think about clothing that helps to protect people from breaking bones if they fall over?

You could help improve this type of protective clothing by taking part in a research study.

About the study

Researchers at Falmouth University are studying people’s attitudes towards falling and hip protectors, using a survey. Hip protectors are clothes with built-in padding, which can reduce your chances of breaking a bone if you fall.

The survey explores:

• What people think of hip protectors
• What people want from protective clothing
• How changes to the design of protective clothes can affect how they’re used

Why this research matters

This research is important because broken bones – especially hip fractures – can have a huge impact on mobility and quality of life. They also cost health and social services around £2bn each year.

Hip protectors provide a solution and are proven to reduce the risk of hip fracture. However, they aren’t commonly used because of how they look and feel, and practical difficulties with using them.

Researchers are therefore looking to see how they can be designed to look, feel, and operate, in a way that’s sensitive to people’s needs.

“Although hip protectors have been proven to reduce the chances of fracture, studies show that people are reluctant to use them,” explains Simon Andrews, lead researcher of the study at Falmouth University.

“So, we want to explore how this hip protection clothing can be designed to meet the physical and psychological needs of the people who would benefit from wearing them,” he continues.

“We’re looking for people to answer questions about lifestyle aspirations and attitudes towards falling and hip protectors, reflecting their current personal circumstances.

“Anyone can take the survey and we welcome a broad range of views, from both younger and older people. We’re particularly interested in hearing from people who are more at risk of breaking bones – including people with osteoporosis.”

Take part in the survey

Getting involved is easy. Simply follow this link to take the short online survey. The survey closes on 30 November 2021.

You can find more information about the study on the project website.

Take part in the survey