Innovative Smart Flooring Trial Aims to Reduce Fall Injuries Among Seniors

Research at the University of Surrey is currently underway to explore the potential of smart flooring to significantly reduce fall-related injuries in older adults. With over 219,000 emergency hospital admissions due to falls among individuals aged 65 and above in England during the 2023/24 period, this initiative seeks to address a growing concern that impacts both the health of seniors and the resources of the National Health Service (NHS).

The ongoing trial involves participants wearing reflective markers that are monitored by infrared cameras, enabling scientists to assess how various flooring materials--from soft to hard--impact balance, movement, and overall stability. The findings from this research are expected to inform the development of flooring solutions that mimic the appearance and feel of conventional surfaces while effectively absorbing the impact of falls.

Researcher Silas Purja, who leads the study, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He pointed out that in the UK, falls among older adults result in hundreds of thousands of incidents each year, leading to extended hospital stays and, in some cases, fatalities. The financial burden on the NHS is substantial, with unaddressed fall hazards in homes costing approximately £435 million annually, and fragility fractures from falls incurring an estimated £4.4 billion in costs, including £1.1 billion associated with social care.

Currently, the study's focus is on evaluating the capabilities of different age groups to stand and walk on various types of flooring in a controlled indoor environment. This approach allows for the analysis of how differing stiffness levels of flooring materials influence participants' natural balance.

The long-term objective is to create a flooring system that remains stable during regular use but becomes softer upon impact, thereby minimizing the risk of injuries such as broken bones or concussions. Externally, this advanced flooring would resemble traditional synthetic tiles or rubber surfaces, while incorporating sophisticated materials and technologies beneath the surface. As research progresses, there is potential for these smart flooring solutions to be implemented in hospitals, care facilities, and residential homes where older individuals are at greater risk.

Dr. Iman Mohagheghian, the Principal Investigator on the project and an Associate Professor in Mechanics of Materials, highlighted the importance of these trials in understanding age-related variations in balance and movement. He explained that the insights gained from volunteer participation are vital for designing safer environments that could ultimately help prevent serious injuries. The research team is eager to recruit healthy adult volunteers of all ages, especially those aged 65 and above, to contribute to the trial.

This study is part of a broader initiative led by Dr. Mohagheghian under the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) project titled Multifunctional Flooring: Design for Independent Living. The project assembles a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including experts from the University of Surrey and the University of Portsmouth, who are collaborating with commercial partners and flooring manufacturers in healthcare to devise integrated solutions for fall prevention.