Evaluation of the Wearing Characteristics of Hip Protectors Based on Draping Pattern Design and Body Shape in Korean Elderly People

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the new hip protector design with respect to the comfort and mobility. The new hip protector was developed based on a pattern of draping and body shape of Korean elderly individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An wearing characteristics evaluation was conducted on 101 elderly women wearing hip protector using a questionnaire of preference and ease of wearing. Hip protectors, with existing and newly developed belt and underwear types, which were previously preferred by the Korean elderly, were evaluated. RESULTS: The newly developed belt type (65.0%) and newly developed underwear type (30.1%) hip protectors were preferred to the existing type (3.9%) and existing underwear type (1.0%) ones. The convenience of the newly developed belt type was greater than 4 out of 5 points (1 for strongly disagree and 5 for strongly agree) for all nine measures, including fit, allowance, mobility, pad placement, pad thickness, pad size, material, design, ease of dressing, and ease of undressing. The newly developed hip protectors showed less discomfort than the existing ones. In particular, the newly developed belt type and developed underwear type improved sitting convenience by 31.1% and 26.1%, respectively, compared with the existing ones. CONCLUSION: The hip protectors developed in the present study is expected to provide better fit for the body shape of Korean elderly individuals and prevent hip fracture due to fall.