J0201-3-3 Computational Study of Fracture Prevention by Protective Action in Trip and Fall of Elderly

Abstract

Hip fracture is typically observed in fall accidents of elderly, which is a fracture in the femur neck. In our former study, we have evaluated the effects of anthropometry and gate motion of elderly on the risk of hip fracture using a multibody-finite element hybrid model without active protective action. On the other hand, the decrease of the ability of protective action with aging can be a cause of the increase of hip fracture. In this study, we discuss how to take into account active protective action of upper extremity in our multibody-finite element hybrid model and evaluated the effects of protective action on the risk of hip fracture in trip. The results showed only two cases of hip fracture while the previous result showed 8 cases. This suggests protective action may be effective and to keep motility of elderly is important for fracture prevention.