'Smart flooring' could reduce fall injuries

The University of Surrey is looking for volunteers for its research project

The University of Surrey is designing flooring which softens when someone falls, to reduce the risk of broken bones or head injuries.

Resembling standard synthetic tiles or rubber flooring, it would have "smart materials and systems hidden beneath" to cushion falls and prevent serious injury.

With 219,000 fall-related emergency hospital admissions among people over the age of 65 in England in 2023/24, the flooring is intended for hospitals, care homes and residential settings where older people are most at risk.

Researchers are seeking volunteers, particularly those over 65, to walk on various surfaces, which will demonstrate how each affects a person's balance, movement and stability.

Dr Iman Mohagheghian, associate professor in mechanics of materials at the university and principal investigator on the project, said: "Trials like this are crucial for determining age-related differences in balance and movement, and how those differences interact with the surfaces we walk on every day.

"Volunteers who take part will play an important role in helping us design safer, more supportive environments, and their contributions could ultimately help prevent life-altering injuries."

It is hoped a reduction in fall-related injuries could help ease pressures on the NHS.

Silas Purja, postgraduate researcher at the university's school of engineering and lead researcher in the trial, said: "Every year in the UK, hundreds of thousands of older adults experience a fall - many of which lead to lengthy hospital stays and, tragically, some fatalities.

"To help ease pressure on the health service and protect lives, we're investigating how different flooring types affect balance, with the goal of supporting the design of safer, smarter surfaces in various settings."

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