The effect of step geometry and stair design parameters on biomechanical risk of falls during stair ascent and descent
Stair ambulation is a biomechanically challenging task, particularly for older adults or individuals with physical impairments. There is a need to provide empirical evidence regarding the risk of falls related to various design features of the stairs – this data can help to inform ongoing policy changes to building codes and standards or to educate consumers on safer stair design in homes and public buildings.
Our stair-related research aims to reveal the relationship between biomechanical measures of stability, risk of missteps, and stair design features during stair descent and ascent, considering age with and without impairments. We use our state-of-the-art StairLab in the Challenging Environments Assessment Laboratory to modify various features of the staircase and systematically evaluate the impact of design modifications on measures of fall risk or balance recovery. Three-dimensional, biomechanical tools are used to capture kinematic and kinetic measures of interest. Research findings to date have been disseminated to impact Canadian codes and standards.
Project funded by:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Project Grant)
Project output:
**publications from alison's step dimentsion, Marko Bjelica, Sanaz
