Comparison of handrail reaction forces between two different handrails during sit-to-stand movement in the elderly

Abstract

BackgroundThe handrail is an effective means of assisting sit-to-stand movements. As some elderly people need force to support their body during sit-to-stand movements because of instability and weakness; however, few handrails are specifically shaped to generate more force and support the body. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a newly designed curved-angled handrail on the reaction force during sit-to-stand movements in the elderly. MethodsTwenty-one elderly subjects (age range, 72–84 years) participated in the study. They performed sit-to-stand movements using a conventional vertical handrail and then the curved-angled handrail five times each. For each subject, body coordinate data were acquired and the handrail reaction force was measured using motion analysis and load sensors on the handrail. FindingsThe reaction forces generated in the anterior–posterior and upward–downward directions during sit-to-stand movements using the curved-angled handrail were significantly greater than those generated using the conventional vertical handrail (p < .001). InterpretationCompared with using the conventional vertical handrail, using the curved-angled handrail enhances the generated force during sit-to-stand movements.