Stair-climbing Research Articles

Association of Four Dietary Patterns and Stair Climbing with Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Large Population-Based Prospective Cohort Study.

The protective effect of a healthy diet combined with stair climbing on cardiovascular health is unclear. We aimed to assess the independent and joint associations of dietary patterns and stair climbing with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). We included 117,384 participants with information on dietary intake and stair climbing from the UK Biobank (UKBB). We excluded participants with MACEs at baseline and death within two years of follow-up. We used restricted cubic spline (RCS) plots describing the linear or nonlinear associations between dietary patterns (the alternate Mediterranean diet score (AMED), dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH), the healthful planted-based diet index (HPDI) and the alternate healthy eating index-2010 (AHEI-2010)) and stair climbing and MACEs. COX regressions estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) for incident MACEs associated with dietary patterns combined with stair climbing, and adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle and medical factors. The UKBB documented 9408 MACEs over a median follow-up of 13.3 years. Four dietary patterns were negatively and linearly associated with MACEs (P-nonlinear > 0.05), whereas daily stair climbing was negatively and nonlinearly associated with MACEs (P-nonlinear = 0.011). All of the dietary patterns had significant multiplicative interactions with stair climbing (all p-values < 0.05). The three dietary patterns had the lowest risk ratios for MACEs in the highest tertile (T3) combined with daily stair climbing of 60-100 steps (AMED: 0.78 (0.68, 0.89), DASH: 0.80 (0.70, 0.91) and HPDI: 0.86 (0.75, 0.98)), whereas the AHEI-2010 had the lowest HRs for MACEs in the T1 combined with stair climbing of 110-150 steps (AHEI-2010: 0.81 (0.71, 0.93)). Maintaining healthy dietary patterns and adhering to an average of 60-100 steps of stair climbing per day at home can be effective in preventing cardiovascular health-related events.

Stair Climbing Electric Wheelchair

From 18 century many types of wheelchairs had been designed, by developing its functionality. Our project focuses on addressing the mobility challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly those who encounter difficulties navigating staircases. The project introduces a novel solution in the form of an electric stair- climbing wheelchair designed to provide enhanced accessibility in both indoor and outdoor environments. The wheelchair incorporates innovative technologies, including electric motors and intelligent control systems, to enable seamless and safe navigation on various types of stairs. The important parts of this product are conveyor belt, frame and driving mechanism climbing wheelchair for regular use by old disabled people. The design of frame will be done by considering various loads, stresses at various positions. The main factor of wheelchair are the angle of stair and center of gravity of whole system. The design process involves considerations for user comfort, safety, and ease of operation, with a particular emphasis on accommodating diverse user needs. Through a combination of both electrical and mechanical engineering principles and modern electronics, the wheelchair is equipped to ascend and descend stairs smoothly, offering a versatile solution for individuals with mobility impairments. We also plan to explore user feedback and ergonomic evaluations to refine the wheelchair's design and functionality. Preliminary testing would be done to demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution in real-world scenarios. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by expanding their mobility options and promoting inclusivity in various environments.

Effects of lower-limb active resistance exercise on mobility, physical function, knee strength and pain intensity in patients with total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) successfully alleviates pain from knee osteoarthritis, but muscle strength and function are reduced for a long period postoperatively. Postoperative active resistance exercise may play a relevant role.PurposeTo systematically evaluate effects of lower-limb active resistance exercise (ARE) on mobility, physical function, muscle strength and pain intensity in patients with TKA.MethodsA search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to September 2023. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effects of ARE and no intervention or other rehabilitation program without PRE were included. The outcome variables were mobility (Maximal walking speed [MWS]/6-Minute Walk Test[6MWT]), physical function (Stair Climb Test [SCT]/Timed Up and Go [TUG]), knee extension/ flexion power(KEP/KFP), joint range of motion (ROM) and pain. Standardized Mean Differences (SMD) or Mean Differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and combined in meta-analyses. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Handbook were used for the methodological quality assessments. GRADE was used to assess the quality of evidence. The meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.4 software.ResultsA total of 14 randomized controlled trials, involving 880 patients, were finally included. The lower-limb ARE exhibited significantly greater improvement in MWS (MD 0.13, 95%CI 0.08–0.18, P < 0.00001), TUG(MD -0.92, 95%CI -1.55– -0.28, P = 0.005), KEP (SMD 0.58, 95%CI 0.20–0.96, P = 0.003), KFP (SMD 0.38, 95%CI 0.13–0.63, P = 0.003), ROM-flexion (MD 2.74, 95%CI 1.82–3.67, P < 0.00001) and VAS (MD − 4.65, 95% CI − 7.86– -1.44, p = 0.005) compared to conventional exercise(CE) immediately post-intervention. However, there were no statistically significant differences between both groups in regard to 6MWT (MD 7.98, 95%CI -4.60–20.56, P = 0.21), SCT (MD -0.79, 95%CI -1.69–0.10, P = 0.08) and ROM-extension (MD -0.60, 95%CI -1.23–0.03, P = 0.06).ConclusionsAccording to the results of meta-analysis, patients undergoing TKA who receive the lower extremity ARE show better clinical effects in terms of pain relief, strength recovery and knee ROM. Simultaneously, it may be beneficial to improve mobility and physical function of patients after TKA.

Physical functioning in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study in Jordan using self-reported questionnaire and performance-based tests.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating condition that leads to functional limitations. Self-reported questionnaires and performance-based tests are tools commonly used for measuring physical function. (1) To evaluate the impact of end-stage knee OA on functional outcomes and examine the association between self-reported and performance-based measures of function in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis awaiting total knee arthroplasty (2) To explore the interrelationships among pain, strength, and overall physical function in this patient population. In this cross-sectional analysis, 33 patients with end-stage knee OA were recruited and completed the knee Outcome Survey-Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADLS) and executed performance-based tests including the Timed Up and Go, the 30-second chair stand test, and the Stair Climbing Test. Knee pain, and isometric hip and knee strength were evaluated. Patients perceived deficits in their physical functionwith a score of 35/100 on the KOS-ADLS and demonstrated functional limitations in all performed tasks. KOS-ADLs was weakly associated with TUG and 30s-CST (r=-0.301, p= 0.047, and r= 0.39, p= 0.014. respectively). Knee pain was linked with the KOS-ADL score and GRS score (r=-0.406, p= 0.010; r=-0.343, p= 0.027; respectively), while the strength of the affected side was correlated with the performed (p=< 0.001) and reported function outcomes (p= 0.007). Participants exhibit declines in both perceived and executed functional abilities. Self-reported and performance-based functional measures are weakly correlated within our study group, highlighting the importance of incorporating both measures in clinical practice for a comprehensive evaluation of physical function. Pain was linked to subjective aspect of physical function, while strength was connected to perceived and performed functional capacity. Implementing a tailored rehabilitation program targeting muscle weakness and pain holds the potential to mitigate functional decline in individuals awaiting total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

The Effects of Stair Climbing Using Wearable Robot Bot Fit's Resistance

The Effects of Stair Climbing Using Wearable Robot Bot Fit's Resistance

The Effects of Stair Climbing Using Wearable Robot Bot Fit's Resistance

The Effects of Stair Climbing Using Wearable Robot Bot Fit's Resistance

Incidence of Fear of Fall and Stairs Climbing Status in Older Adults After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Background: This research aimed to assess factors influencing the frequency and fear of falls, and the anxiety related to climbing stairs in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Fall-related injuries are common complications after TKA, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. Objective: To evaluate the incidence of falls, fear of falling, and stair climbing abilities in patients post-TKA. Methods: The study included 183 patients who had undergone unilateral or bilateral TKA between 6 months to 1 year prior, encompassing both genders. Data were collected using the Fall Efficacy Scale (FES) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) scale through structured questionnaires. Results: The mean age of participants was 68.78 years (SD=6.828, range 60-89). The mean total FES score was 64.11 (SD=10.712, range 37-91). Approximately 65% of patients had a high fear of falling and poor stair climbing status. Conclusion: The study found that 65% of patients experienced fear of falling and difficulties in stair climbing post-TKA. Continued risk of falls necessitates providing physical therapy and comprehensive discharge training to mitigate fall risk and improve functional outcomes.

The effects of various stair-climbing exercises on functional mobility and trunk muscle activation in community-dwelling older adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Stair-climbing (SC) is an essential daily life skill, and stair-climbing exercise (SCE) serves as a valuable method for promoting physical activity in older adults. This study aimed to compare the impact of SCEs with heel contact (HC) and heel off (HO) during SC on functional mobility and trunk muscle (TM) activation amplitudes in community-dwelling older adults. In the pilot randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly allocated to either the HC group (n = 17; mean age 75.9 ± 6.3 years) or the HO group (n = 17; mean age 76.5 ± 4.6 years). The HC participants performed SCE with the heel of the ankle in contact with the ground, while the HO participants performed SCE with the heel of the ankle off the ground during SC. Both groups participated in progressive SCE for one hour per day, three days per week, over four consecutive weeks (totaling 12 sessions) at the community center. We measured timed stair-climbing (TSC), timed up and go (TUG), and electromyography (EMG) amplitudes of the TMs including rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), transverse abdominus and internal oblique abdominals (TrA-IO), and erector spinae (ES) during SC before and after the intervention. Both groups showed a significant improvement in TSC and TUG after the intervention (P < .01, respectively), with no significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference in the EMG activity of the TMs between the groups after the intervention. The amplitude of TMs significantly decreased after the intervention in both groups (P < .01, respectively). Both SCE methods could improve balance and SC ability in older adults while reducing the recruitment of TMs during SC. Both SCE strategies are effective in improving functional mobility and promoting appropriate posture control during SC in older adults.

The effect of coronal plane angulation on patient reported outcome measures of operatively treated distal femur fractures: A multi-center prospective evaluation

ObjectivesThe goal of this trial was to determine whether coronal plane angulation affects functional and clinical outcomes after the fixation of distal femur fractures. DesignMulticenter, randomized controlled trial Setting20 academic trauma centers Patients/Participants156 patients with distal femur fractures were enrolled. 123 patients were followed 12 months. There was clinical outcome data available for 105 patients at 3 months, 95 patients at 6 months and 81 patients at one year. InterventionLateral locked plating or retrograde intramedullary nailing Main outcome measurementsRadiographic alignment, functional scoring including SMFA, Bother Index, and EQ-5D. Clinical scoring of walking ability, need for ambulatory support and ability to manage stairs. ResultsAt 3 months, there was no difference between groups (varus, neutral or valgus) with respect to any of the clinical functional outcome scores measured. At 6 months, compared to those with neutral alignment, patients with varus angulation had a worse Stair Climbing score (4.33 vs. 2.91, p = 0.05). At 12 months, the average patient with neutral or valgus alignment needed less ambulatory support than the average patient in varus. Walking distance ability was no different between the groups at any time point.With respect to the validated patient-based outcome scores, we found no statistical difference in in the SMFA, Bother, or EQ-5D between patients with valgus or varus mal-alignment and those with neutral alignment at any time point (p > 0.05). Regardless of coronal angulation, the SMFA trended towards lower (improved) scores over time, while EQ-5D scores for patients with varus angulation did not improve over time. ConclusionsValgus angulation and neutral angulation may be better tolerated in terms of clinical outcomes like stair climbing and need for ambulatory support than varus angulation, though patient reported outcome measures like the SMFA, Bother Index and EQ-5D show no statistical significance. Most patients with distal femur fractures tend to improve during the first year after injury but many remain significantly affected at 12 months post injury.

LONG-TERM FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN YOUNG ADULTS WITH INTERNAL FIXATION OF FEMORAL SHAFT FRACTURE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Purpose: Although internal fixation surgery of femoral shaft fracture (FSF) has high rates of union, it affects the patient’s functionality and quality of life due to additional health conditions depending on the traumatic nature of these injuries. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the long-term functional outcomes and quality of life of young adults who underwent internal fixation of isolated FSF to compare with healthy peers. Methods: The Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Stair Climb Test (SCT) were used to evaluate the functionality of the participants. The EuroQol 5-Dimension Questionnaire (EQ-5D) was used to assess the quality of life. Results: Twenty young adult volunteers with internal fixation surgery aged 18-55 years are included in the FSF group (mean age: 39.55±11.92 years; duration after surgery: 28±7.2 months) and 20 healthy peers (mean age: 42.75±8.83 years) as the control group. The HHS and EQ-5D scores were lower (p

Stair Climbing Improves Cognitive Switching Performance and Mood in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

Although stair-climbing intervals provide a simple mode of physical activity that can be easily carried out in naturalistic settings and incorporated into the daily lives of a significant proportion of the global population, addressing physical inactivity issues, very little research has focused on the psychological benefits of stair climbing. To address this, the current prospectively registered randomized controlled crossover trial tested whether brief bouts of stair climbing (6 × 1 min intervals) elicit immediate subsequent improvements in cognitive performance and mood in a sample of healthy young adults (final sample: n = 52, 50% female, age range 18–24 years), with consideration of sex, physical activity habits, and exercise intensity as potentially relevant variables. Compared to a no-exercise control session, following the stair climbing participants exhibited superior cognitive switching performance and reported feeling more energetic and happy. In addition, linear regression analyses linked higher stair-climbing intensity (indicated by heart-rate data) to faster response latencies. None of the effects depended on sex or physical activity habits, which implies that males and females can benefit irrespective of their current physical activity habits. Collectively, these results demonstrate that interval stair climbing can confer immediate psychological benefits, providing further evidence in support of stair climbing as a promising means to address physical inactivity issues. TRN: ACTRN12619000484145, Date of registration: 25/03/2019.

Effects of Russian and Aussie Currents Combined With Isokinetic Training on Symptoms, Pain, Functional Mobility, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

To find out if burst-modulated medium frequency alternating currents (Russian and Aussie types) contribute to the effects of isokinetic-training in patients with patellofemoral pain, and to compare their effectiveness on symptoms, pain, functional mobility, and quality of life. Forty-five patients with patellofemoral pain were randomized into Russian current, Aussie current or placebo electrical stimulation groups. Patellofemoral Pain Severity Scale, Stair Climbing Test, Anterior Knee Pain Scale, Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Short Form-36 data were obtained before and after 15 sessions of interventions and at the end of a 3-wk follow-up period. Severity of symptoms and pain decreased; functional mobility, activity limitations and quality of life improved significantly after interventions ( P < 0.05), and these effects were maintained at the follow-up period ( P < 0.05). The amount of improvements in symptom and pain severity, and quality of life was higher in the Russian and Aussie current groups than in the placebo group ( P < 0.05). In patients with patellofemoral pain, burst-modulated medium frequency alternating currents may provide extra benefit in improving symptoms, pain, functional mobility and quality of life, and the Aussie currents provide greater improvement in symptom and pain severity.

Concurrent Validity and Reliability of Video-Based Approach to Assess Physical Function in Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis.

The aim of this study was to determine the concurrent validity and reliability of the Osteoarthritis Research Society International recommended performance-based tests delivered by video-based in adults with knee osteoarthritis. Thirty-two participants (aged 40 to 70 years; 15 men) undertook assessments of 4 performance-based tests via both video-based (real-time and recorded) and face-to-face approaches, on the same day. Outcome measures were performance-based test and the number of technical issues encountered. The performance-based tests included the 40-Meter Fast-Paced Walk Test (velocity, m/s), the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (number of repetitions), the Stair Climb Test (time, seconds), and the Timed "Up & Go" Test (TUG; time, seconds). The Bland-Altman limit of agreement measures, standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), minimal detectable changes (MDCs), and bias (mean difference) were employed to analyse the concurrent validity between video-based and face-to-face approaches of the performance-based tests. Reliability was measured using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), CV, and SEM. A high degree of concurrent validity for the TUG (bias = -0.22), the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (bias = -0.22), the Stair Climb Test (bias = -0.31), and the 40-Meter Fast-Paced Walk Test (bias = -0.06) was found. SEM and CV values were within the acceptable level for concurrent validity. There was a high degree of reliability demonstrated for all tests analysed. ICC measures ranged from 0.95 to 1.00 for intrarater reliability, and from 0.95 to 0.99 for interrater reliability. Video-based assessment of physical performance tests is a valid and reliable tool for measuring physical function among adults with knee osteoarthritis via Microsoft Teams (Microsoft Corp, Redmond, WA, USA). Video-based assessment is a promising public health tool to measure physical function in adults with knee osteoarthritis.

The impact of inter-limb leg lean tissue mass asymmetry on stair climb performance in career firefighters

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of inter-limb leg lean tissue mass (LTM) asymmetry on stair climb (SC) performance in firefighters. Forty-one career firefighters (age = 32.3 ± 8.2 years, body mass = 92.1 ± 18.6 kg, stature = 178.3 ± 7.9 cm) visited the laboratory on one occasion and completed a whole body and leg composition assessment followed by a timed and weighted SC task. Percent body fat (%BF) and leg LTM were determined during a DEXA scan and regional thigh analysis. Asymmetry was assessed by the percent difference between limbs (dominant limb LTM – non-dominant limb LTM)/dominant limb LTM × 100) and a ± 3% cut-off for asymmetry classification. Participants ascended and descended 26 stairs four times as quickly as possible while wearing a weighted (22 kg) vest. Point biserial correlations were used to assess the relationship of inter-limb leg LTM asymmetry and SC performance before and after controlling for age and %BF. Results indicated that inter-limb leg LTM asymmetry was associated with longer SC task time (poorer performance) both before (r = 0.432, P = 0.005) and after (r = 0.502, P = 0.001) controlling for age and %BF. Our findings indicated that inter-limb leg LTM asymmetry negatively impacts firefighter SC performance, which may be improved with appropriate exercise interventions.

Minimal power required to ascend a flight of stairs versus actual power measured with body-fixed sensors in adults aged 19-85 years.

A good stair-climbing (SC) ability is crucial for independent living in older adults. A simple formula that estimates the mean power needed to ascend a flight of stairs in a predetermined time (i.e., total ascent duration) is easy to implement in practice, but lacks information on actual power values generated per step. The latter is possible with body-fixed sensors. This study aimed at comparing both methodologies and investigating their sensitivity to detect age-related differences. 318 participants (162 ♀; age 19-85 years) were tested on a 6-step staircase and two methodologies were used to estimate mean SC power: (1) a body-fixed sensor with automated detection of power production per step, and (2) a mathematic equation based on timed ascent duration, body mass and stair height. SC power was 210.4 W lower with formula compared to sensor, lower in women versus men and in older versus young adults (p < 0.001). The difference in SC power between sensor and formula was greater in individuals with better performance (i.e., men and young adults) (p < 0.001), indicating a ceiling effect of the formula in well-functioning and younger individuals. Likewise, ICC's between both methodologies showed poor reliability in people aged <65 years (0.087-0.363) and moderate to good reliability in people aged ≥65 years (0.453-0.780). To conclude, participants with better SC performance are able to largely overshoot the minimal power required to ascend the stairs in a certain duration. This makes the sensor more sensitive to identify early age-related differences compared to the formula.

Older adults' lower-limb muscle power production throughout a full flight of stairs: Reliability and comparison between different stair models.

Lower-limb muscle power should be closely monitored to prevent age-related functional ability declines. Stair-climbing (SC) power is a functionally relevant measurement of lower-limb muscle power. Body-fixed sensors can measure power production throughout the different steps of a flight of stairs to assess different aspects of performance. This study investigated: 1) power production throughout a full flight of stairs; 2) if staircases with less or more steps can provide similar information; and 3) test-retest reliability of SC power. 116 community-dwelling older adults (57 women) ascended three staircases as fast as possible: 12, 6 and 3 steps. Mean vertical power production per step was collected and analyzed using a commercial body-fixed sensor and software. Three phases were found in SC power production: 1) an acceleration phase, i.e., the power produced in step 1 (P1); 2) a phase where the highest performance (Pmax) is reached and; 3) a fatiguing phase with power loss (Ploss; only measurable on 12-step staircase). Mean power (Pmean) over the different steps was also evaluated. P1 did not differ between staircases (all p>0.05), whereas Pmax and Pmean were higher with increasing number of steps (p = 0.073 -p<0.001). P1, Pmax and Pmean were strongly correlated between staircases (r = 0.71-0.95, p<0.05). and showed good to excellent reliability (ICC = 0.66-0.95, p<0.05). Ploss showed poor reliability. To conclude, measurements of SC power production (P1, Pmax and Pmean) with a single sensor on the lower back are reliable across different staircases. A small, transportable, 3-step staircase can be used for measuring power production in clinical practices with no access to regular staircases. However, absolute values are dependent on the number of steps, indicating that measurements to track performance changes over time should always be done using an identical stair model.

Step by Step: Evaluation of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Healthy Children, Young Adults, and Patients with Congenital Heart Disease Using a Simple Standardized Stair Climbing Test.

(1) Background: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is known to be a prognostic factor regarding long-term morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to develop a standardized Stair Climbing Test (SCT) with a reliable correlation to spiroergometry and the 6MWT which can be used in healthy children as well as patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and a restricted exercise capacity. (2) Methods: A total of 28 healthy participants aged 10-18 years were included. We tested the individuals' CRF by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) on a treadmill, the 6MWT, and a newly developed Stair Climbing Test (SCT). For the SCT, we defined a standardized SCT protocol with a total height of 13.14 m to achieve maximal exercise effects while recording time and vital parameters. To compare the SCT, the 6 Min Walking Test, and CPET, we introduced an SCT-Index that included patient data (weight, height) and time. To assess the SCT's feasibility for clinical practice, we also tested our protocol with five adolescents with complex congenital heart disease (i.e., Fontan circulation). (3) Results: A strong correlation was observed between SCT-Index and O2 pulse (r = 0.921; p < 0.001). In addition, when comparing the time achieved during SCT (tSCT) with VO2max (mL/min/kg) and VO2max (mL/min), strong correlations were found (r = -0.672; p < 0.001 and r = -0.764; p < 0.001). Finally, we determined a very strong correlation between SCT-Index and VO2max (mL/min) (r = 0.927; p = <0.001). When comparing the 6MWD to tSCT, there was a moderate correlation (r = -0.544; p = 0.003). It appears to be feasible in patients with Fontan circulation. (4) Conclusions: We were able to demonstrate that there is a significant correlation between our standardized SCT and treadmill CPET. Therefore, we can say that the SCT can be used as an easy supplement to CPET and in certain contexts, it can also be used as a screening tool when CPET is not available. The advantages would be that the SCT is a simple, quick, cost-effective, and reliable standardized (sub)maximal exercise test to evaluate CRF in healthy children on a routine basis. We can even assume that it can be used in patients with congenital heart disease.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the patellofemoral pain severity scale in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the Turkish validity and reliability of the Patellofemoral Pain Severity Scale (PSS) in patients with patellofemoral pain (PFP) and to adapt it to Turkish. Materials and methods A pilot study was conducted with 10 patients. 123 patients underwent PSS test-retest at 24–48 h intervals. Construct validity, correlations of PSS with other scales Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Stair Climbing and Descending Test (SCD), Anterior Knee Pain Scale (AKPS), Tegner Activity Scale (TAS), Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (LDSS), Knee Outcome Survey Activities of Daily Living Scale (KOS-ADL) were evaluated. Results The content validity index value of the scale was 0.95. The overall internal consistency (Cronbach α: 0.88) was high. Item-total correlations of the scale were between 0.51 and 0.7. In the evaluation of the convergent validity of the PSS, it was found that there was a positive correlation between the PSSS and TUG and SCD, and a negative correlation between the PSS, TAS, LDSS and KOS-ADL (p = 0.000). Conclusions In this study, it was determined that the PSSS scale had good internal consistency, test-retest validity and adequate construct validity when compared with the KOS-ADL, LDSS and AKPS.

The Association of Stair Climbing Behaviors With Hazard of All-Cause Mortality in Adults With or At Risk of Knee Osteoarthritis.

To investigate the association of stair climbing difficulty and stair climbing frequency with the risk of all-cause mortality over 13 years in adults with or at high risk for knee OA. We used data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI), a prospective cohort study of community-dwelling adults with or at high risk for symptomatic knee OA. The exposures were stair climbing difficulty and frequency, assessed at baseline using self-report questionnaires. The outcome was all-cause mortality, assessed from baseline through 13 years of follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to investigate the association between stair climbing exposures and all-cause mortality. Three hundred seven (6.81%) and 310 (6.84%) participants in the difficulty and frequency samples, respectively, died during 13 years of follow-up. Those who were limited in any capacity in terms of their stair climbing ability had 54% to 84% greater hazard of all-cause mortality, and those who climbed at least 7 flights of stairs per week had 38% lower hazard of all-cause mortality. Adults with or at high risk for knee OA who report difficulty with climbing stairs or who infrequently use stairs are at greater hazard of all-cause mortality. Stair climbing difficulty and frequency are simple to collect and changes may occur early in OA progression, allowing for early intervention. Brief questions about stair climbing behaviors can serve as a functional vital sign within the clinician's toolbox.

Development of a Compact Hexapod Robot Suitable for Stair Climbing in Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plants

Development of a Compact Hexapod Robot Suitable for Stair Climbing in Decommissioning of Nuclear Power Plants