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. 2008 Oct 1;8(2):1–78.
Study Device Population Intervention Follow-Up Outcomes Measured Results
McKiernan (2005) (80) Gait-stabilizing device (Yaktrax Walker®)

  • Aged 65+

  • Fall-prone people

  • Independently ambulatory

  • Yaktrax Walker® (N=55) vs. usual winter footwear (N=54)

 Winter 2003/2004: 10,724 observation-days Number indoor and outdoor slip falls and injurious falls

  • Footwear assignment did not influence indoor slip and fall rates


All days:

  • outdoor slips: RR, 0.50 (P < .04)

  • outdoor falls: RR, 0.45 (P < .02)

  • non-serious injurious fall: RR, 0.10 (P < .02)


Days walked on snow/ice:

  • outdoor slips: RR, 0.61 (P = .14)

  • outdoor falls: RR, 0.42 (P < .03)

  • non-serious injurious fall: RR, 0.13 (P < .02)

  • non-serious injurious fall: NNP, 6


outdoor fall: NNP, 3
outdoor slip: NNP, 1
Birks (2003) (82) Hip protector (Safehip®)

  • Aged 70+

  • Had one previous hip fracture

  • Intervention group given 3 pairs of hip protectors and general advice on fracture reduction (N=139) vs. controls who received advice (N=140)

 Median follow-up 14 months Number of second hip fractures, number falls, fear of falling, compliance

  • Hip protector vs. control: OR, 3.5 (0.68-17.97)

  • No difference in number of falls or fear of falling

  • Low compliance (34%)
*

RR refers to relative risk; NNP, number needed to prevent; OR, odds ratio