Handrail position and shape that best facilitate sit-to-stand movement

Abstract

The `high and low' handrail position best facilitates STS movement in the elderly by reducing the time needed to perform STS movements and by reducing the torque and subsequent wear on the joints and muscles.

The Evaluation of Vertical Pole Configuration and Location on Assisting the Sit-to-Stand Movement in Older Adults with Mobility Limitations

“…Assistive devices such as grab-bars enable the use of the upper-extremities to aid the STS transfer [9][10][11][12][13]. Upper-extremity assistance, increases the success of a STS task in individuals without adequate lower extremity strength or coordination [14].…”

“…There is limited biomechanical data published to define the effects of grab-bar support on the STS transfer [9][10][11][12]. In addition, there is an even smaller body of literature focused on the effects of different configurations and positions of the grab-bars [9][10][11] and only one study includes a mobility limited population [11], however they assumed bilateral asymmetry in their analysis.…”

“…In addition, there is an even smaller body of literature focused on the effects of different configurations and positions of the grab-bars [9][10][11] and only one study includes a mobility limited population [11], however they assumed bilateral asymmetry in their analysis. Current practice for occupational therapists (OT) as determined from clinical observerships is to go the patient's home and mark where the pole should be placed relative to the seat/bed/toilet with a piece of adhesive tape.…”

“…To date, only a few studies have investigated the STS task with and without the use of an assistive grab-bar [9][10][11][12]. O'Meara et al [9,10] have provided the most comprehensive work to date.…”

Optimum position and orientation of handrail for sit-to-stand movement

“…These studies confirmed that armrests and handrails reduced the physical load of the lower limbs during the STS movement. Kinoshita (2012) evaluated the effect of horizontal handrail position on the STS movement by measuring the joint moment and recording EMGs. Four types of handrail positions were compared: no handrails, both high, both low, and high and low.…”