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fourteen - Biomechanical constraints to stair negotiation
- Edited by Alan Walker, The University of Sheffield
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- Book:
- The New Dynamics of Ageing
- Published by:
- Bristol University Press
- Published online:
- 09 April 2022
- Print publication:
- 28 February 2018, pp 277-304
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Summary
Introduction
The majority of falls in old age occur during stair descent (Svanstrom, 1974; Tinetti et al, 1988; Startzell et al, 2000; Hamel and Cavanagh, 2004). The physical injuries arising from such falls are of obvious concern, but of equal importance is the fear of falling, and loss of confidence and mobility. Therefore, it is imperative to establish effective measures to reduce the risk of stair falls and accidents, in order to maintain independence and quality of life in old age.
Stair ascent is challenging, and becomes increasingly difficult as people get older. However, paradoxically, it is during stair descent where problems are more common. This is because stepping down is a very complex task, for which the downward movement of the body has to be controlled and balance maintained each time the foot contacts the step (McFadyen and Winter, 1988; Riener et al, 2002). Our ability to do this depends on many factors, including muscle strength, joint mobility, proprioception, vision and balance ability, all of which deteriorate with age (for example, Evans and Campbell, 1993; Grimston et al, 1993; Maki and McIlroy, 1996; Reeves et al, 2006).
Two critical design characteristics in a staircase that are related to these functional parameters are the step-rise, which is the height of each step, and the step-going, the depth of the step. It is possible that older individuals may be less able to generate the muscle forces required to support the body on the upper step or to control the motion when landing on the lower step. In fact, we have already documented that older people use more of their available muscle strength in their knee extensors and ankle plantarflexors to ascend and descend a staircase than younger people (Reeves et al, 2008, 2009). Previously, we examined stair negotiation of standard step dimensions (going: 280 mm, rise: 170 mm) with older adults. However, it is likely that age-related differences are amplified, with greater strength reserves required for more demanding stair-negotiating tasks (particularly higher step-rise) for the old. On the other hand, if the step-going is small (as is often the case in older homes), the ball of the foot of the lead leg will be placed towards the front edge of the step during descent, risking a slip.
seven - Design for living in later life
- Edited by Alan Walker, The University of Sheffield
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- Book:
- The New Science of Ageing
- Published by:
- Bristol University Press
- Published online:
- 04 March 2022
- Print publication:
- 29 August 2014, pp 209-240
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Summary
The need has never been greater for products, services and environments to be developed in such a way that they do not exclude, but instead reflect more accurately the diverse demands of today's users – particularly older and disabled people. (Professor Sir Christopher Frayling, Foreword, in Clarkson et al, 2003)
Introduction
Knowledge transfer is the starting point for this chapter, which has been crafted by members of six collaborative research teams who have been involved in unique projects concerning aspects of everyday living for older people, addressing issues of technology and design from a human perspective. A real dichotomy underpins this work, because while the focus has been on working with and learning from people in later life, all address issues that may affect people of all ages. So there is a real sense that while we may continue to highlight the underpinning ageism of designers, retailers and the youth-obsessed market, what we are really demonstrating is the importance of inclusive or universal design (Coleman, 1994) throughout the life course, or what has been called ‘transgenerational design’ (Pirkl, 1994). In recognising this we can see that this body of work from the New Dynamics of Ageing (NDA) Programme builds on the seminal research carried out for the i-design consortium funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) (2002–07) that brought together researchers in engineering and design (see Clarkson et al, 2003; Royal College of Art, 2012). It also recognises the dynamism of design outlined here by Fuad-Luke (2009, p xix):
The real JOY of design is to deliver fresh perspectives, improved well-being and an intuitive sense of balance with the wider world. The real SPIRIT of design elicits some higher meaning. The real POWER of design is that professionals and laypeople can co-design in amazingly creative ways. The real BEAUTY of design is its potential for secular, pluralistic expression. The real STRENGTH of design is this healthy variance of expression. The real RELEVANCE of design is its ability to be proactive. The real PASSION of design is in its philosophical, ethical and practical debate.
The NDA researchers also include a wide range of disciplines, bringing together social and medical scientists and the humanities alongside engineering and design colleagues.