Analysis of vertical ground reaction force and center of pressure during stair climbing

Abstract

In this study, the vertical component of the ground reaction force (GRF), the maximum pressure value and the center of pressure (COP) motion in the longitudinal direction during stair climbing with and without a handrail have been determined. The measurement was carried out using the zebris FDM-S measuring system. For both climbing modes (NH—no handrail, H—handrail) the maximum and minimum values of the vertical component of the GRF were achieved in approximately equal percentages of the stance period (SP), with the greatest influence of the handrail use at the first maximum value. The COP position provides important information about a person’s postural control during locomotion. It has been found that in the case of climbing with a handrail, the COP position is moved more anteriorly, indicating a greater inclination of the entire body forward. The analysis of the maximum pressure values showed two pronounced maximums with one minimum between them. The impact of the handrail use on reducing the pressure is most evident in the area around both maximum values.