HipFit is a simple, life-saving solution to the complex and increasing global health problem of hip fracture.

 

Driven by age related health issues such as osteoporosis and dementia, the number of hip fractures occurring globally each year is expected to reach 6.26 million by 2050. 90% of hip fractures are attributed to falls and unfortunately 20% of elderly hospitalised for a hip fracture die within a year; and 50% suffer a major decline in independence and mobility.

Hip protection devices are one way of preventing hip fracture. However our research highlights that most people don't like wearing hip protectors because they are very uncomfortable, ill-fitting and look terrible (bulk, size, weight, position). Also many products are ineffective because they lack the force attenuation required to protect fragile bones and are not correctly positioned over the area of greatest risk (the greater trochanter). These issues have resulted in patchy uptake amoung the population most at need.

 

We set out to remove the barriers to hip protection and create a simple, life-saving product, designed to fit the body that would be comfortable, visually appealing, easy to use, and provide optimal protection; the ultimate aim - to enable users to retain their independence and mobility and remain in their own home for longer.

 

 

The team's research covered a wide range of subject areas including: end user; anthropometric data; mechanical behavior(of falls); medical and clinical (on efficacy); and materials and processes.

 

Design research with end users indicated that poor comfort (particularly lying down) and concerns about bulky appearance contributed significantly to a lack of use amoung elderly patients both in home care and independent living.

 

An extensive anthropometric survey within the target age group to understand the variance in hip bone positions and the hip curvature provided crucial insights to underpin the physical design of the shield. This variation in hip bone position, not accounted for by competitor products, drove our design, enabling a very low profile shield that delivers high levels of impact attenuation with the ability to customise the position to suit the wearer.

 

A 'Learning First' approach to product development meant a bio-mechanical test rig was designed and built to measure impact attenuation. Over 550 impact tests were measured and recorded. This provided the team with the ability to rapidly design, prototype and test a huge number of alternate materials, configurations and design ideas.

 

Throughout the design process we prioritised comfort over protection. We continually checked our designs for comfort including overnight tests. The insights gained from our anthropometric and mechanical tests and the translation of those in the shield design enabled a design that is not only comfortable but also provides optimum protection.

 

The final configurations were tested at an international laboratory and then once validated were used in a trial with 12 end users. This provided peace of mind that the products were both fit for purpose and provided the end users real comfort.

 

 

The Delloch Hip Impact Protection System (HipFit) is a design that is sympathetic and responsive to peoples needs, variation in body type and dimensions, whilst still delivering the highest known level of impact attenuation* for a product on the market (*based on tests against all known leading products).

 

The HipFit System is comprised of: a specially developed pair of male and female underwear; two shield designs (Plus & Active) and an easy to understand kit to get people started simply without clinical help.

 

The 'HipFit Plus' provides the highest level of attenuation through a glass reinforced nylon shield coupled with a detacheable polyethylene shock absorbing layer. This product is specifically designed for those with either a high falls or fracture risk in aged care or hospitals.

 

The 'HipFit Active' is crafted from two different densities of PE foam which are laminated before being thermoformed. This delivers an ultra lightweight product ideal for people that are more mobile but still potentially have a falls risk.

 

The underwear had to have special attention, as great shields and dreadful underwear would have seriously hampered the programme. So the team found the best textiles possible and developed a simple design with clean modern styling to deliver a super comfortable solution that also looks appealing.

 

The 'HipFit Protection System' is the first product in market that can be placed exactly where it needs to be. The integrated pad positioning system allows the pad to be placed in the correct position according to hip position and comfort preference.

 

 

One of the hardest things to achieve was designing product that could at once be comfortable and discreet but able to withstand 28kg's dropped from half a meter; strong enough to keep a fragile bone safe. This was achieved through a complex three dimensional curve that delivers the highest known levels of impact attenuation globally, and yet still feels comfortable.

 

The product has delivered a patented solution, that has subsequently been licensed into Australia and is under discussion for licensing into the US and further afield. It has provided Delloch a strong, unified story and valuable points of difference in the market place.

 

Perhaps most satisfying of all is the story relayed to the design team after launch, the shield saved an elderly man in a severe fall from fracture.