Step edge highlighters and illuminance changes influence stair descent in a real-world setting.

Studies investigating the effect of tread edge highlighters on descent speed differ, but collectively report the potential benefit of reduced fall risk. Here we examine the impact of adding high-contrast black vinyl striping to the front edge of each step's tread and its impact on descending gait speed (intervention), while controlling for illumination. Descending gait speed was estimated from 5,824 video observations using the stairway length and entry and exit times.

Safe stairway negotiation: Role of distractions and handrail use.

Introduction: This study sought to examine stairway safety by identifying associations between fall-related events on stairways, distractions, gait speed, drifting, as well as handrail use and proximity.

Method: Video recordings captured 11,137 observations of stair users in two public stairways and recorded distractions (e.g.