The purpose of this study is to verify the relative effectiveness of vertical grab bar and horizontal grab bar usage to step over the bathtub, by and between healthy elderly persons and elderly persons with osteoarthritis of knee. The experiments were carried out in the experimental facilities simulating a reproduced bathroom for six healthy elderly persons and three elderly persons with knee osteoarthritis and the subjects' movements were recorded on video. The recorded data was closely observed focusing on how to use a grab bar. The results of analysis were as follows.
1. Healthy elderly persons were able to use a vertical grab bar and a horizontal grab bar in much the same way (the subjects showed the ability of using just one hand to use the grab bar set against the wall leading to the bathtub).
2. Horizontal grab bars showed greater effectiveness for elderly persons with knee osteoarthritis as these allowed use of both hands to support posture and stabilize movements.
