Masters Applied Projects

Project 7

Risk of Falls Associated with Various Actions within the Shower

Student:

James Crichton

Mentors:
Dr. Thurman Lockhart, PhD - Arizona State University, SBHSE
Dr. Sydney Schaefer, PhD - Arizona State University, SBHSE
Dr. Stephen Helms Tillery, PhD - Arizona State University, SBHSE

YouTube Link:
View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting

Zoom Link:
https://asu.zoom.us/j/2654686039


Abstract:

Slips and falls within the bathroom environment are a common and dangerous occurrence, especially for older populations. The main cause of falls is the low coefficient of friction of wet bath and shower surfaces. To help reduce injuries, looking into when these falls happen can help those looking into preventative measures. In this study, we hypothesize that out of the common potential movements during a shower, standing on one foot to wash the other causes the highest risk of falling. Test subjects will stand on a dry surface on a force plate and be instructed to perform specified actions that are commonly done during the bathing process while vertical and horizontal force applied to the force plate will be recorded. The maximum horizontal force on the force plate during each action will represent the “friction demand” or the frictional force applied to the foot that is required to not slip. The action that shows the highest friction demand will be deemed to have the most risk of falling, as it will be more likely that a slippery shower surface will not provide an equal or higher frictional force necessary to not slip.