New Developments and Challenges in the Area of Slip Testers

This chapter provides insight on the new developments in the realm of slip testers. The first part of the chapter deals with the adverse effects on slips and falls and the effect of fall-related accidents in hospital emergencies. The economic burden of the fall-related accidents in the United States was specifically highlighted. The importance of traction testing in athletic activities such as running, football and soccer, basketball and tennis was discussed specifically focusing on the application in designing better athletic footwear and in preventing foot injuries encountered by athletes during various athletic activities. The different foot loading conditions in various athletic activities were briefly discussed in the subsequent section. The specific biomechanical parameters during the athletic activities were focused upon which ultimately led to the development of various traction testing devices were also highlighted. The developed traction testing devices employed in different athletic activities such as football, tennis and badminton were highlighted.