Evaluating hip protector airbags for older adults
Evaluating the Acceptability of Airbag Hip Protectors in Older People
This study is testing two new airbag hip protectors to see if older adults who have fallen find them more comfortable and easier to wear than traditional options.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dublin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06204471 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study assesses the acceptability and comfort of two different airbag hip protectors among community-dwelling older adults who have experienced falls. Traditional hip protectors have low uptake due to discomfort, and this study aims to determine if the newer airbag technology can improve wearability. Participants will provide feedback on their experience with the Helite and Wolk hip protectors, which are already CE marked for personal protective equipment. The findings will inform future larger trials on the efficacy of these devices in preventing hip fractures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are community-dwelling individuals aged 65 and older who have had at least one fall requiring medical attention and have a fear of falling.
Not a fit: Patients who are nursing home residents or those who are immobile and require assistance with mobility will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved safety and quality of life for older adults by increasing the use of effective hip protectors.
How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research on hip airbags in nursing homes, this study is novel as it focuses on community-dwelling older adults.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Age 65 years and older * 1 or more falls in the last year requiring medical attention * Fear of Falling (single question Y/N) * Able to give informed consent Exclusion criteria: * Nursing home resident * Immobile, or requires another person to assist with transfers and mobility * Unable to apply or remove the hip airbag independently * Waist circumference \<70cm or \>125cm (Helite device is sized by waist) and * Hip circumference \<84cm or \>125cm (Wolk device sized by hip)
Where this trial is running
Dublin
- Beaumont Hospital — Dublin, Ireland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Frances Dockery, MD — Beaumont Hospital
- Study coordinator: Frances Dockery, MD
- Email: francesdockery@beaumont.ie
- Phone: +35318093000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.