Non Slip socks and falls prevention

Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.

Hi everyone

Just wondering if there is any current research on the use of non slip ("grip") socks and falls prevention?

I am aware of the following articles published in 2009 and 2011
Are non-slip socks really 'non-slip'? An analysis of slip resistance
S Chari, T Haines, P Varghese and A Economidis
BMC Geriatrics 2009, 9:39 doi:10.1186/1471-2318-9-39

Slip resistance of non-slip socks ? An accelerometer-based approach
M Hubscher, C Thiel, J Schmidt, M Bach, W Banzer, L Vogt
Gait and Posture 2011, 33 doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2011.02.021

However despite these articles suggesting these socks are not "non-slip" there seems to be an increasing use of these socks in the hospital system......

Thanks in Advance

Tracy

 

Hi Tracy

I see Hubsscher found "The present study shows that non-slip socks improved slip-resistance during gait when compared to conventional socks and slippers."

A quick read of the other paper suggests footwear/shoes are the best option. Probably not so popular with hospital staff or patients in the hospital environment, convenience might be the barrier. So maybe non slip socks are the best compromise.

I couldn't find any new research in the brief look around I took although this link may be of interest to you.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10782571

Regards
Greg

 

GripSox website