Development and Evaluation of Walkway Rubber Sheets for Older Adults: Design, Safety, and Usability Testing

Abstract

Walkways for older adults can reduce falls and enhance walking confidence during daily activities. This study aimed to develop an innovative rubber walkway prototype specifically for older adults at home and to evaluate their satisfaction with it. This study employed a design and development approach using a one-group posttest-only design. The sample consisted of 30 older adults aged 60 years or older, selected based on criteria including independent self-care ability, absence of foot wounds, proficiency in the Thai language, and willingness to participate. Participants tested the rubber walkway prototype by walking barefoot or in socks along a 2.4-meter path (1 meter of normal floor and 0.72 meters of prototype and 1 meter of normal floor), completing at least two round trips at natural stride length, and standing or walking on the prototype for at least ten seconds. Satisfaction was measured immediately post-test using a validated 15-item Questionnaire Assessing Design, Safety, and Usability domains. Satisfaction scores were interpreted using standardized thresholds (very satisfied: 4.51-5.00).

Most participants were female, with a mean age of 69.00 ± 8.89 years, living in homes with glazed tile floors, and walking barefoot indoors. Overall satisfaction, safety, usability, and design all received high ratings. Despite the high satisfaction scores, the overall rating (3.97, 95% CI [3.79, 4.15]) was below the very satisfied threshold (4.51), indicating a need for refinement and real-world efficacy testing at higher technology readiness levels. For nursing, these findings highlight the prototype’s potential in home-based fall prevention programs—pending real-world efficacy testing and further development.