All studies involved elderly people in nursing homes or residential care or supported living at home, four within the Scandinavian countries, one in Japan, one in the United Kingdom and one in Australia. One study of 141 individuals was primarily a compliance study lasting only 12 weeks. However, due to the large number of participants allocated by cluster randomisation, it was not possible to determine if this difference between groups was statistically significant. No important adverse effects of the hip protectors were reported but compliance, particularly in the long term, was poor. The generalisation of the results is unknown beyond high-risk populations.
Cost effectiveness is unclear.
Results from ongoing trials may clarify this situation. Acceptability by users of the protectors remains a problem, due to discomfort and practicality. This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. Update Software Ltd. All rights reserved.