The influence of handrail height on the ability to generate stabilizing forces and moments was studied at two stairway pitches (41 and 49 deg). Two age groups were tested: young (20 to 45) and elderly (59 and over), with a total of 40 subjects. The results at the two stairway pitches were similar to results obtained previously at a pitch of 33 deg. With increasing handrail height, the ability to generate forward/backward forces and forward/backward moments increased linearly whereas the ability to generate upward force decreased linearly. Based on the results, optimal design values for handrail height were estimated for each stairway pitch.
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References
1.
Maki, B. E., Bartlett, S. A., and Fernie, G. R. (1984). Influence of stairway handrail height on the ability to generate stabilizing forces and moments. Human Factors, 26, 705–714.
2.
Maki, B. E., and Fernie, G. R. (1983). Biomechanical assessment of handrail parameters, with special consideration to the needs of elderly users. (Contract No. OSX82–00180). Ottawa: National Research Council of Canada.
3.
Maki, B. E., and Fernie, G. R. (1984). Influence of handrail height and stairway slope on the ability of young and elderly users to generate stabilizing forces and moments. (Contract No. OSX83–00175). Ottawa: National Research Council of Canada.
