The effects of pad geometry and material properties on the biomechanical effectiveness of 26 commercially available hip protectors

Wearable hip protectors (padded garments) represent a promising strategy to decrease impact force and hip fracture risk during falls, and a wide range of products are currently marketed. However, little is known about how design features of hip protectors influence biomechanical effectiveness. We used a mechanical test system (simulating sideways falls) to measure the attenuation in femoral neck force provided by 26 commercially available hip protectors at three impact velocities (2, 3, and 4 m/s). We also used a materials testing machine to characterize the force–deflection properties of each device. Regression analyses were performed to determine which geometric (e.g., height, width, thickness, volume) and force–deflection properties were associated with force attenuation. At an impact velocity of 3 m/s, the force attenuation provided by the various hip protectors ranged between 2.5% and 40%. Hip protectors with lower stiffness (measured at 500 N) provided greater force attenuation at all velocities. Protectors that absorbed more energy demonstrated greater force attenuation at the higher impact velocities (3 and 4 m/s conditions), while protectors that did not directly contact (but instead bridged) the skin overlying the greater trochanter attenuated more force at velocities of 2 and 3 m/s. At these lower velocities, the force attenuation provided by protectors that contacted the skin overlying the greater trochanter increased with increasing pad width, thickness, and energy dissipation. By providing a comparison of the protective value of a large range of existing hip protectors, these results can help to guide consumers and researchers in selecting hip protectors, and in interpreting the results of previous clinical trials. Furthermore, by determining geometric and material parameters that influence biomechanical performance, our results should assist manufacturers in designing devices that offer improved performance and clinical effectiveness.