Tango Belt: A New Smart Hip Protector Solution

Abstract

The evidence demonstrates that older adults who sustain hip fractures have greater functional decline, institutionalization, and death. Given the burden of falls and hip fractures, all efforts should be made to protect older adults from this injury. This article describes the biomechanics of fall and hip protector clothing, including first generation hip protector clothing, and the innovative, smart technology Tango Belt, a wearable belt that sends real-time data to a smart app and utilizes airbag technology to mitigate fall related hip injuries. Although hip protector clothing is protective, implementation has been met with resistance by patients and clinicians. We review the evidence for acceptance and feasibility of Tango Belt in various settings and describe how artificial intelligence supports motion sensing decision-making in areas such as postural sway and gait patterns. Finally, we offer implications for practice and research, in the hope that awareness about artificial intelligence-based hip protector clothing will encourage nurses to add these effective products to their fall injury prevention toolkits.