Hip Protectors for Community-Dwelling Older Adults [Internet]

Excerpt

Falls are common in older adults and are associated with both morbidity and mortality. Approximately 30% of community-dwelling adults over the age of 65 and 50% of community-dwelling adults over the age of 80 experience a fall at least once per year. Falls can result in fractures, traumatic brain injuries, depression, loss of autonomy, functional decline, and death. Approximately 30,000 hip fractures occur each year in Canada and more than 90% of hip fractures are attributable to falls. There are a number of risk factors associated with hip fractures such as female gender, older age, low cognitive function, and previous spine or hip fracture.

There are several interventions that aim to reduce the number of hip fractures in older adults. These include regular exercise, pharmacological treatments (e.g., calcium, vitamin D), and the use of hip protectors. There are 2 main types of hip protectors that include either hard shells or soft pads that are usually held within specifically designed underwear. The purpose of hip protectors is to either shunt or absorb the force of impact to prevent fractures.

There is uncertainty on the effectiveness of hip protectors which may be explained by limited user adherence in studies of hip protectors. A systematic review of barriers and facilitators to the use of hip protectors in long-term care settings found multiple barriers including discomfort, unwanted side effects, poor ergonomics, and distaste with the aesthetics of hip protectors.

The aim of this report is to summarize the evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of hip protectors for community-dwelling older adults. In addition, evidence-based guidelines with recommendations regarding hip protectors in preventing fall-related injuries among community-dwelling older adults will be reviewed.