Evaluation of a Flooring System to Help Reduce Fall-Related Injuries among Elderly : A Compilation of Requirements together with Hip Impact Simulations, using a Computational Human Body Model

Sammanfattning: Fall-related incidents are the most common cause of injury among elderly, and may result in hip fractures. Svein Kleiven and Hans von Holst, professors at the Royal Institute of Technology, have developed a technology for a compliant flooring system with the intention of reducing the peak force acting on the proximal femur during a fall. A project is underway to make the floor commercially available, where this thesis was a part of the first phase of the project. The goal with this thesis was to modify a computational human body model (HBM) to predict hip fractures when falling, using different material and geometry regarding the flooring system. It was also to compile a set of requirements that the final product would need to fulfill. The human body model was validated and modified using a study where cadavers had been tested. With the Finite Element Method (FEM), impacts were performed with the human body model and a flooring system. Requirements regarding the flooring system were compiled using literature studies, a study visit in a geriatric care facility and dialogues with well-informed people. Modifications involving contacts, material and the proximal femur were made on the model. A total of 18 simulations were performed using different flooring systems. When compared to rigid floor condition, all configurations showed a reduction in peak force on the proximal femur. The maximal attenuation was calculated to 33.04%, provided by pins with a diameter of 3 mm and with a distance of 5 mm between their midpoints.