The Biomechanics of Shoe Friction: A Means to Prevent Slip & Fall Accidents

Kurt Beschorner, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Bioengineering
University of Pittsburgh

Abstract:  Slip and fall accidents are among the leading source of injuries for all age groups and occur during work and non-work activities. Footwear is known to be a critical factor for influencing a person’s slip risk and is, therefore, a potent countermeasure. Shoe-floor friction is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by multiple mechanisms, some of which are non-linear. This complexity is a common barrier to the development of footwear that is effective at preventing slips. Our research over the past 12 years has utilized a mechanistic understanding of shoe-floor friction to connect shoe features to slip risk. We have developed ergonomic tools and products to translate this knowledge into workplace changes for slip-prevention.

Our research has focused on two main goals: connecting shoe design features to friction performance and quantifying the impact of shoe wear on loss of friction. Progress towards these two goals were made possible by our group’s development of new technologies for assessing footwear: biofidelic shoe testing, under-shoe fluid pressure measurement, and finite element analysis of shoe-floor friction. In combination with these new technologies, different experimental approaches (benchtop mechanics, in vivo biomechanics, and longitudinal tracking) have been utilized to develop robust conclusions. This research has identified four shoe tread design features to enhance friction performance: tread channel drainage, tread surface area, heel beveling, and hardness. Furthermore, this research has led to a single feature of tread worn condition that predicts loss of performance: size of the worn region. Therefore, this research demonstrates that utilizing sophisticated tools and a mechanistic approach can lead to easily-implementable solutions to the complex problem of human slips.

Bio:  Dr. Kurt Beschorner is an Associate Professor at the University of Pittsburgh. He holds his primary appointment in the Bioengineering department and a secondary appointment in the Mechanical Engineering Department. He was previously a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His work utilizes competencies in mechanics, human motion, and ergonomics to prevent falling accidents. His research has been funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, National Institute on Aging, U.S. Army, and industry partners.