Pedestrians on slippery surfaces during winter - methods to describe the problems and practical tests of anti-skid devices

Every year there are thousands of pedestrians in Sweden who an injured beca use of slippery pavements and roadways. Using an appropriate anti-skid devi ce may reduce the risk of slips and falls on ice and snow. Methods to descr ibe functional problems in walking on different slippery surfaces during wi nter have been developed as rating scales for evaluating walking safety and walking balance and an observation method to observe posture and movements during walking. Practical tests of all 25 anti-skid devices on the market in Sweden were carried out on different slippery surfaces; gravel, sand, sa lt, snow and ice. The anti-skid devices were described according to the sub jects' perception of walking safety, walking balance and priority for own u se. The postures and movements during walking were analysed by an expert ph ysical therapist. The wholefoot device 'studs' was perceived as the best ac cording to walking safety and walking balance and had the highest priority for own use. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.