• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.520-530
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• 2016

This research aims to propose an ergonomic design process for hip protector based on previous studies, existing products, multidisciplinary experts opinion, and wearing test. The elderly are more likely to suffer a hip fracture when they fall due to their physical changes in skeletal form, muscle quantity, bone density, and joint movement. A hip protector is an effective product to prevent hip fractures in the elderly but it also has a problem in that it is uncomfortable. Therefore there is a high chance that it won't be able to prevent hip fractures properly. Since the comfort of a hip protector is one of the most critical elements in preventing a hip fracture, we need to keep improving the hip protector for mobility and usability. Based on the previous studies and limitations of current hip protector products, we need to come up with an optimal design for the Korean elderly. First, knowledge has to be built relating to the ergonomic design of the hip protector considering body shape and size analysis using 3D-scan data, and biomechanical analysis on hip fracture. Second, we need to develop a design process including hip protector pattern design, and wearing evaluation with virtual system. Third, we suggest to reevaluate and verify the design procedure from impact evaluation using testing simulator, virtual evaluation of impact, to wearing comfort and usability evaluation. This design process presented in this study would be expected to contribute to the development of ergonomic hip protector which is suitable for the Korean elderly.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.120-129
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• 2016

This study aimed to develop an optimal sizing system and a draping pattern for hip protector based on an analysis of anthropometric characteristics of Korean older women. A hip protector is a specialized form of pants or underwear containing pads along the outside of each hip. The 3D body scan data of Korean older women were analyzed to identify their anthropometric characteristics and a four-size system with 93% of population accommodation was developed by clustering analysis based on key dimensions derived from factor analysis. The sizing system consists of small/short, large/short, small/tall, and large/tall. A 3D physical model and hip pads were fabricated; then, a hip protector was draped on the 3D model and hip pads. The sizing system of hip protector was analyzed in terms of size and shape and a draping pattern was compared on back center, back side, front side, front center and pad. Lastly, the pattern deformation and clothing pressure were analyzed using the virtual clothing system CLO. Virtual system have disadvantage of not to suggest the objective value. In the future research the wearing comfort and impact absorption of the hip protector needs to be tested and then a hip protector design will be finalized by considering the hip protector's size, material, comfort testing results, aesthetic appeal, protection effectiveness, and practical utility of everyday use.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.1001-1007
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• 2014

We surveyed the wearing characteristics of hip protectors. The problems of existing hip protectors were identified and the directions for improvement were presented. The evaluation of wearing characteristics was conducted on the 100 elderly women (60 to 85 years) with 5 types of hip protector. The questionnaire was composed of history and characteristics on falling, hip protector acceptance, preference, use characteristics and improvement requirements. The result of wearing characteristic evaluation indicated that 52% of the subject experienced falling in winter. Incidents resulting from falling occurred: outdoors (74.5%), bathroom (10.9%), and kitchen (5.5%). Body parts to be protected were in several areas: 35.6% for lumbar, 26.9% for hip joint, and 15% for hip bone. Participants prefer a belt B type design at a rate of 56.9% because it provided a sense of stability by clinging to the body and upholding the waist. Belt B type was the most appropriate in terms of fit, allowance, mobility, and design except pad thickness. To reduce the risk of hip fracture, hip protector needs to be designed in consideration of user's type of fall and body shape. The pattern and size of a hip protector has to be improved in regards to the amount of discomfort. An objective evaluation is needed for the ergonomic design of a hip protector based on and analysis of 3D body image of the elderly and the shock-absorbing quality of pad.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Manufacturing Technology Engineers
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.639-643
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• 2012

The hip protector has been developed using the air-bag which has the capability of attenuating an impact. The impact force using the PVC air-bag was decreased by values of 27.5% on average, compared to the impact force without the air-bag. In the experiment, the standard deviation of the impact force attenuation rate was 0.78%. It means that the dimensions of the air-bag have no significant effects to reduce the impact. We believe that it is possible to design light and cheap hip protectors with air-bag to prevent the femur fracture.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2021

While efforts have been made to address fall-related injuries in older adults, the problem is unsolved to date. The purpose of this review is to provide a guideline for fall and injury prevention programs in older adults, based on evidence generated over the past 30 years. Research articles published between 1990 and 2020 have been searched on PubMed, using keywords, including but not limited to, falls, hip fracture, injuries, intervention, older adults, prevention, hip protector, vitamin D, safe landing strategy, and exercise. Total of 98 articles have been found and categorized into five intervention areas: exercise program, hip protector, safe landing strategy, vitamin D intake, and compliant flooring. Furthermore, the articles have been rated based on their study design: class 1, randomized controlled trials; class 2, non-randomized controlled trials; class 3, experimental studies; class 4, all other studies. Exercise programs have shown to decrease the risk of fall, and associated injuries. Hip protectors, safe landing strategy, and vitamin D intake were effective in reducing a risk and incidence of hip fracture during a fall. Furthermore, compliant flooring has also decreased hip fracture risk without affecting balance. An integrated approach combining exercise program, wearing a hip protector, teaching safe landing strategies, scheduled vitamin D intake, and compliant flooring installation, is suggested to address fall-related injuries in older adults.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.497-508
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• 2019

Snowboarder accidents at ski resorts are increasing; therefore, it is essential to wear protective wrist, hip and knee protectors when snowboarding. However, most studies focus on the improvement of gear or expansion of safety facilities with few studies on protectors that directly safeguard the body from accidents caused by tumbling. Protectors currently on the market do not properly consider the needs of the users. Therefore, this study investigates the reality of usage and satisfaction rate of those that use snowboarding protectors along with factors deemed important upon wearing them to provide the grounds for the development of comfortable protectors. Subjects were 1,058 adults in their 20s to 40s. First, a survey was conducted regarding demographic traits as well as the wearing and purchasing of protectors. Second, 325 people that purchased and wore protectors were investigated in regards to the wearing satisfaction rate of current commercial protectors. The results showed that 86% of the 1,058 subjects wore protectors; knee protectors (72%), hip protectors (57%) and wrist protectors (38%). Important factors upon purchasing and wearing satisfaction were studied according to demographic traits, snowboarding experience, and number of snowboard rides for one season. As a result, the damage rate increased along with the number of snowboard rides for one season. Important factors considered when purchasing varied significantly according to sex, age, snowboarding experience, and favored slopes. The results of this study will help in the design of comfortable protectors for snowboarders.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.222-232
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• 2020

This study analyzes changes in the knees, hips, and hip joint length according to the different angles of bending knees by 45°, 90°, and 135° respectively for knees, hips, and the hip joint that have high fracture rates when falling down. The research subjects were 10 elderly women in their 60s (or older) that obtain data collected through direct measurement. For analysis, the study drew a diagram of elongation and shrinkage based on changes and change rate from a straight posture (0°) and conducted a statistical analysis on differences of body surface length by zone according to movements. The more the knees were bent, the vertical surface length in front of the knees, the horizontal surface length above the knee line, the horizontal body surface length below the knee lines on the back, and the vertical surface lengths between front side lines and the side lines increased; however, the vertical surface length on the back decreased. For the hip joint, the difference in the vertical surface length was more distinctive when compared to the horizontal. Finally, the horizontal surface length increased below the hips and the vertical surface length increased in most areas except the sidelines and the front. The result of the change in body surface length according to the movements of this study can be utilized in the development of the motion-variable protector.

• Proceedings of the Korea Contents Association Conference
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• 2008.05a
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• pp.598-601
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• 2008

The people, who can't deal with urine and feces by themselves because they can't recognize it, deal with urine and feces with help of protector (Or nurse). For the case of urine and feces, disease of ulcerated flesh of hip like unpleasant feeling, pressure sore, humid tetter due to wetness of diaper can be prevented by changing diaper instantly. However, those people can't be possible to express their opinion, so they can't express their opinion on urine and feces or endure sense of shame. So there is a problem which can't check presence of urine and feces instantly. Accordingly, in order to solve this problem, qualitative improvement of nursing service can be generated by developing u-Care product which instantly let know urine and feces to protector (Or nurse) by perceiving automatically, and benefit of welfare on social dependent class like low income old people and solitude old people can be increased by reducing social welfare expense with increment of nursing expense.