Table 1.

Key concepts and definitions pertaining to the study research question

Concept	Definition
Compliant flooring systems	Broadly defined as flooring systems or floor coverings with some level of shock absorbency, for example, safety flooring, shock absorbing flooring, dual stiffness flooring, rubber flooring, acoustic flooring and carpet
Biomechanical efficacy	Evidence from laboratory research about (1) impact force attenuation or energy absorption during real or simulated falls onto compliant flooring systems, or (2) gait performance, mobility performance, assistive device use and/or balance on compliant flooring systems
Clinical effectiveness	Evidence from research involving human participants and measurement of how compliant flooring systems affect falls and fall-related injuries
Cost-effectiveness	Evidence related to the costs of compliant flooring systems relative to their effects on fall and fall-related injury healthcare costs
Workplace safety	Evidence about the effects of compliant flooring systems on musculoskeletal health and fatigue of healthcare workers as a direct result of differences in floor compliance
Fall-related injury	Broadly defined as fractures or soft tissue injuries (eg, haematoma, traumatic brain injury, dislocation, laceration/cut, sprain/strain, contusion/bruise, swelling, pain) as a direct result of impact from a fall36