Essential Points:

• Wearable falling airbags provide cutting-edge protection against fall-related injuries, designed to automatically deploy to cushion impact and reduce risks, particularly benefiting older adults and individuals with balance disorders.

• Research indicates wearable airbags can significantly lower injury rates, although current studies are limited and more data is needed to confirm effectiveness across diverse scenarios and product models.

• While not a standalone solution, wearable airbags are a valuable addition to a comprehensive fall prevention strategy, complementing traditional methods like balance training, home modifications, and mobility aids for enhanced safety.

Imagine walking confidently through your home, free from the fear of a sudden fall. For many older adults, this is not the reality, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in hospitals in the USA. (1) Each year, thousands face broken bones, head injuries, and the anxiety that comes with them. These incidents can very easily lead to long-term disabilities, severely impacting independence and quality of life. The fear of falling can lead to a cycle of reduced activity, which only increases the risk of future falls, a vicious cycle that’s hard to break. (2)

Enter wearable falling airbags: a groundbreaking technological innovation designed to minimize fall-related injuries. These wearable devices can detect when you’re about to fall and deploy airbags in real-time, cushioning your impact and reducing the risk of severe injuries. This area of falling technology has fascinated me for quite a few years ever since seeing a research demo on YouTube near the end of my graduate school studies. Although I don’t remember the exact video, the concept has stuck with me. This article explores what wearable airbags are, how they function, the evidence supporting their effectiveness, who can benefit the most, and what the future holds for this promising technology.

I hope it fascinates and excites you as much as it did me!

What are Wearable Falling Airbags?

Picture strapping on a lightweight, comfortable device that quietly stands guard, ready to protect you if you lose your balance. That's what a wearable falling airbag does, it’s like having your own personal safety net, ready to deploy at any moment. These devices automatically detect a fall and inflate within milliseconds before you impact the ground, cushioning the impact to prevent fractures and bruises. It is quite literally a saving grace in fall injury prevention technology.

Check out three videos of this technology in action:

• Video 1

• Video 2

A Brief History

The concept of wearable airbags isn’t entirely new. The idea has been floating around since the late 1990s, originally aimed at protecting motorcyclists from injuries during accidents. (3) In recent years, technological advances have allowed manufacturers to adapt these concepts to the health and wellness sector, focusing on fall injury prevention for older adults and people with mobility challenges. Today, wearable airbags are sleek, fashionable, comfortable, and efficient, a far cry from the bulky prototypes of the past.

Key Marketed Features (Based on Current Models Available)

• Lightweight Design: Modern wearable airbags are designed to be unobtrusive and easy to wear. Some styles even may blend in with a normal outfit.

• Mobility: Sleek designs don't restrict movement, allowing you to go about your daily activities without any hinderance.

• User Comfort: Many designs are ergonomic and made with breathable materials that allow you to forget you are wearing them.

• Real-Time Fall Detection: Equipped with high-tech sensors that differentiate between a genuine fall and everyday movements. This supposedly only allows deployment when you need the safety of the airbags, not when you are simply enjoying your day.

• Types: There are several styles, including vests, belts, and hip protectors, catering to different needs and preferences.

How Do Wearable Airbags Work?

Imagine your body has its own high-tech guardian, constantly monitoring your every step. With advanced sensors like motion detectors, accelerometers, and gyroscopes, these devices watch over you, instantly inflating a cushion around vulnerable areas if a fall is detected. (4 , 5 , 6) You can think of this as akin to a car deploying an airbag once detecting an accident in progress. It may not prevent the accident, but an air bag most assuredly can reduce the injury sustained.

Overview of the Technology

• Sensors: Wearable airbags are equipped with motion sensors, accelerometers, and gyroscopes. These sensors work to continuously monitor your movements to detect any sudden changes in motion indicative of a fall.

• Inflation Mechanism: When the sensors detect a fall, the device triggers the inflation mechanism. A small CO2 cartridge inflates the airbags almost instantly, within milliseconds, creating a protective cushion around key areas.

• Protection Areas: Common designs target the hips, lower back, and sides, as these are the most vulnerable areas during falls. Some models offer additional head protection.

• Differentiating Movement: One of the challenges these devices face is distinguishing a fall from everyday activities like sitting down quickly or bending over. Advanced algorithms are employed to ensure that airbags only deploy during a genuine fall, minimizing false activations.

Effectiveness and Research Behind Wearable Airbags

Are wearable airbags truly effective at preventing injuries? The short answer is yes, but like any technology, they come with some caveats. Let’s dive into what the research says.

What Studies Show

The few studies that exist have demonstrated that wearable airbags can significantly reduce the risk of hip fractures and other serious injuries depending on the style of airbag. (7 , 8, 9) Clinical trials often report reduced overall injury rates when implementing the use of these devices. It’s important to note that research is sparse at this time, with more research being performed on the actual creation and execution of using these wearable airbags rather than how much force dispersion they can provide. In other words, it appears that this technology is still in its infancy.

• Clinical Trials: A limited number of studies show that participants wearing airbags experience fewer injuries than those who don’t. (7, 8, 9) One study by Nemeth et. al. even showed a 45% reduction in hip and pelvic injury rate, though the sample size was relatively small.

Limitations of Research

Research on these wearable airbags is not without limitations. The studies that do exist are small in size and need to be performed on a larger sample of subjects to show true injury prevention significance. Additionally, a wider breadth of research needs to be done in general in varying scenarios and with varying products to ensure that the accuracy of these devices is high for reliable injury prevention. At this time, there is no research available to demonstrate which wearable airbags are superior and limit the most impact force.

Pros and Cons of Wearable Falling Airbags

Pros

• Peace of Mind: Users and their families report feeling safer and more secure knowing they have an added layer of protection.

• Ease of Use: Wearable airbags are generally easy to use once they’re on, they are made to operate automatically, requiring no intervention during a fall. This allows a person to carry on with normal daily activities.

• Cost Savings: By potentially preventing serious injuries, wearable airbags may reduce long-term healthcare costs related to falls which total approximately $50 billion yearly for the USA.

Cons

• Cost: Wearable airbags can be expensive, with prices ranging from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. Maintenance, such as replacing CO2 cartridges, adds to the cost.

• Limited Protection: Most devices focus on protecting the hips and lower back, leaving other areas vulnerable. Although, some devices do offer head protection on higher tier products.

• Bulky Design: Some users find the design bulky or uncomfortable, especially if worn for extended periods. This will of course vary by manufacturer and product with newer designs aiming to look more sleek and natural.

• Battery Life: These devices rely on batteries, which need regular charging, and some models may have shorter battery life than others. Staying on top of charging the device will need to be top of mind for best outcomes

• Social Stigma: Some older adults may feel self-conscious wearing visible protective gear, especially in public settings.

• May not always work when needed: Despite the promise these devices make, there is always the risk that they do not work properly all the time.

  • In this video by Good Mythical Morning, the hosts try out the S-Airbag with mixed results. check it out here. Be sure to watch their two initial trials which fail (hilariously might I add), followed by the second trial a few minutes later which does work as advertised.

Who Can Benefit the Most from Wearable Falling Airbags?

Wearable airbags are not for everyone, but they can possibly be a game-changing protective tool for specific groups.

• Older Adults with a History of Falls: If you've ever felt the jarring shock of a fall, you know how it lingers in your mind. Wearable airbags can give back the confidence to older adults with a history of falling, and give an extra layer of protection in future accidents.

• Individuals with Balance Disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease or vertigo make falls more likely, and wearable airbags can offer crucial protection. (10, 11)

• High-Risk Patients in Rehab: People recovering from surgery or undergoing physical rehabilitation are often at greater risk of falling. (12) Supplying wearable airbags to high-risk patients can mitigate injury and potential lawsuits.

• Active Older Adults: Those who enjoy outdoor activities and want to maintain independence may benefit from the added security during higher intensity adventures.

How Wearable Airbags Compare to Other Fall Prevention Tools

Wearable airbags are part of a broader arsenal of fall prevention and protection tools. Here's how they stack up:

Traditional Methods

• Hip Protectors: Typically cheaper, always “on” due to just being a cushioned pad, and may reduce risk of hip fracture in a fall by three times. (13) Hip protectors tend to be bulkier thus being a barrier to being worn consistently.

• Balance Training: Essential for improving overall stability but doesn’t offer real-time protection. Cornerstone of fall prevention rehab.

• Home Modifications: Helpful for creating a safer environment but limited to specific locations that you control. Can include removing rugs, altering home lighting, as well as installing railing and grab bars.

• Mobility Aids: Walkers and canes are useful but don’t provide protection in case of an unexpected fall. Despite using assistive devices, falls can continue to occur if not used religiously, or if cognitive impairments like dementia are present limiting proper use.

• Learning Falling Techniques: Proper education on falling techniques can significantly reduce injury sustained from falling. (14, 15) Unfortunately, at this time, these techniques are not taught often outside of martial arts. Additionally, this may be intimidating for many older adults to embark on learning.

Complementary Use

Wearable airbags should be seen as a complement to, not a replacement for, a holistic fall prevention strategy. Combining balance training, fall training, home safety modifications, and wearable technology can provide the best protection available.

Practical Considerations Before Purchasing a Wearable Airbag

If you’re considering investing in a wearable airbag, here are some factors to keep in mind:

Key Factors

• Size & Fit: Ensure the device fits comfortably and suits your body shape.

• Coverage Area: Choose a design that covers the areas you’re most concerned about.

• Battery Life: Consider how often you’ll need to charge the device.

• Comfort: Look for breathable materials and a lightweight design.

• Warranty: Check if the manufacturer offers a warranty or maintenance support.

• Reviews: Ensure to investigate all reviews including on the manufacturers website and third-party non-biased reviews.

• Budget: Wearable airbags can range from mid-hundreds to thousands of dollars. If used, CO2 cartridges will need to be replenished and may add significant cost depending on brand and frequency of falling.

Where to Buy

At this time, this technology is relatively new. There are a few online manufacturers of this tool, and some devices are still in funding and testing phases. You can investigate this product at the following retailers:

• S-Airbag

• D-Air Lab

• Saf-T Vest (Still in early stages of testing it appears)

Importance of Professional Consultation

Consult with a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist, before making a purchase. They can offer guidance on a rehab plan and if these devices might be of use to you.

The Future of Wearable Technology in Fall Prevention

Wearable airbags are just in their infancy and have much growth to endure before becoming a mainstay of the fall prevention toolkit. Here’s what the future might hold:

Emerging Trends

• Advances in Sensors: New sensors are becoming more accurate at detecting falls, minimizing false activations. Many of these are being used in smart watches for fall detection. (16)

• AI Integration: AI could enable devices to predict falls before they happen based on movement patterns in real time. (17)

• Smart Home Integration: Devices may eventually adequately sync with smart home systems to send alerts or activate safety features. (18)

Predictions for Market Growth

As technology improves and costs come down, wearable airbags could become a standard part of fall prevention, much like seat belts are for cars. Of course, this depends on widespread adoption and cultural acceptance of the devices. Most likely this widespread adoption will depend on a product that looks fashionable, works reliably, and a society wide realization that falling is an epidemic in our modern world that needs to be controlled.

Final Thoughts: Should You FALL In Love With Wearable Airbags?

Wearable falling airbags are an intriguing and innovative step forward in preventing fall-related injuries. They have the potential to provide effective, automatic protection for those most at risk, giving peace of mind to users and their families. However, as much as I want to love them, there needs to be more research performed, along with reliable brands people can trust. I would hate to recommend a brand to you that I cannot guarantee will work every time your loved one needs it. Unfortunately, through my research, I just couldn’t find a product that I would fully trust.

I hope this industry continues to grow and develop. I see a lot of potential in this technology, to the point that I think it can be game-changing for the healthcare system if implemented appropriately. But until then, I recommend focusing on the bottom line of fall safety including balance training, fall training, and using assistive devices as needed.

If you have balance issues and are worried about falling be sure to grab my Beginner to Intermediate Fall Program and bulletproof your balance. You deserve to live a life free from the fear of falling, start living that life today.

References

1. About older adult fall prevention. Older Adult Fall Prevention. Published May 16, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/about/

2. Chandrasekaran S, Hibino H, Gorniak SL, Layne CS, Johnston CA. Fear of falling: Significant barrier in fall prevention approaches. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2021;15(6):598-601. doi:10.1177/15598276211035360

3. History | ABOUT US | hit-air | - hit-air - Werable Airbag | Mugen Denko Co., Ltd. - Hit-air - WERABLE AIRBAG | Mugen Denko Co., Ltd. https://www.hit-air.com/en/mugen-denko/history.html#:~:text=1995%20Began%20research%20and%20development,of%20airbag%20jackets%20and%20vests.

4. FutureAge – D-Air Lab Shop. D-Air Lab Shop - Acquista Prodotti D-Air Lab. https://shop.dairlab.com/prodotto/futureage/

5. SAF-T VESTTM fall injury protection. The SAF-T VESTTM - SAF-T VESTTM fall injury protection. SAF-T VESTTM Fall Injury Protection. Published August 9, 2024. https://davenportsaftsystems.com/

6. S-AIRBAG Intelligent Vest S30-Smart Body Airbag Hip Airbag for elderly. S-AIRBAG Official Online Store. https://sairbagpro.com/products/intelligent-airbag-protective-clothing-s32

7. Fukaya K, Uchida M. Protection against Impact with the Ground Using Wearable Airbags. Industrial Health. 2008;46(1):59-65. doi:10.2486/indhealth.46.59

8. Tarbert RJ, Singhatat W. Real world evidence of wearable smartbelt for mitigation of fall impact in older adult care. IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine. 2023;11:247-251. doi:10.1109/jtehm.2023.3256893

9. Nemeth B, Van Der Kaaij M, Nelissen R, Van Wijnen JK, Drost K, Blauw GJ. Prevention of hip fractures in older adults residing in long-term care facilities with a hip airbag: a retrospective pilot study. BMC Geriatrics. 2022;22(1). doi:10.1186/s12877-022-03221-1

10. Lima DP, De-Almeida SB, De Carvalho Bonfadini J, et al. Falls in Parkinson’s disease: the impact of disease progression, treatment, and motor complications. Dementia & Neuropsychologia. 2022;16(2):153-161. doi:10.1590/1980-5764-dn-2021-0019

11. Alyono JC. Vertigo and dizziness. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. 2018;51(4):725-740. doi:10.1016/j.otc.2018.03.003

12. Kinoshita T, Nishimura Y, Umemoto Y, et al. Characteristics of falls occurring during rehabilitation in an acute care hospital in older and non-older patients: A retrospective cohort study. Frontiers in Medicine. 2022;9. doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.969457

13. Santesso N, Carrasco-Labra A, Brignardello-Petersen R. Hip protectors for preventing hip fractures in older people. Cochrane Library. 2014;2014(3). doi:10.1002/14651858.cd001255.pub5

14. Moon Y, Sosnoff JJ. Safe Landing Strategies During a Fall: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2016;98(4):783-794. doi:10.1016/j.apmr.2016.08.460

15. Weerdesteyn V, Groen BE, Van Swigchem R, Duysens J. Martial arts fall techniques reduce hip impact forces in naive subjects after a brief period of training. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2007;18(2):235-242. doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2007.06.010

16. Brew B, Faux SG, Blanchard E. Effectiveness of a smartwatch app in detecting induced falls: observational study. JMIR Formative Research. 2021;6(3):e30121. doi:10.2196/30121

17. Kulurkar P, Dixit CK, Bharathi VC, Monikavishnuvarthini A, Dhakne A, Preethi P. AI based elderly fall prediction system using wearable sensors: A smart home-care technology with IOT. Measurement Sensors. 2022;25:100614. doi:10.1016/j.measen.2022.100614

18. Pietrzak E, Cotea C, Pullman S. Does smart home technology prevent falls in community-dwelling older adults: a literature review. PubMed. 2014;21(3):105-112. doi:10.14236/jhi.v21i3.64