Optimal vertical handrail position and its biomechanical evaluation

Abstract

A standard position for handrail assisting standing-up motion has been suggested by the Ministry of Construction (currently Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport). It, however, does not accompany any suggestion on physical difference among individuals or clear biomechanical background. In this study, sensory evaluation and biomechanical analysis were conducted in order to understand the vertical handrail usability. As the results, two patterns were distinguished clearly for standing-up motion: one utilizes arm power and the other does body inertia. A formula was proposed for the optimal handrail position in terms of individual physical dimensions for two different standing-up motion patterns. The optimal handrail position was also investigated based on link model analysis and its biomechanical meaning was clarified.