Effect of Stair Tread Markings on Foot Placement During Stair Descent

Abstract

Falls during stair descent are common and can result in serious injury or even death. Many falls during stair descent are attributed to interactions with imperfections or defects in the stair construction, particularly, defects in the stair treads or nosing. While prior research has examined the placement of the foot related to the stair nosing during normal ambulation, limited research has examined the force distribution underneath the foot as it makes contact with the stair tread throughout the duration of the stride. An understanding of the location of the foot relative to the nosing and the force distribution underneath the foot is essential to evaluate the effect of stair imperfections during stair descent. As part of a larger laboratory study, the aim of this research was to determine the effect of markings placed on stair treads that represent pressure sensors, on descent speed, and on foot placement relative to the stair nosing. Ten healthy individuals descended a wooden staircase with and without markings placed on two stair treads while motion data of the feet were collected. Results showed that the presence of markings on the stair treads did not alter descent speed or foot placement relative to the tread nosing. Findings suggest that the presence of pressure sensors and other similar markings on stair treads do not alter descent speed or foot placement relative to the stair nosing.