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The influence of handrail height on the ability to generate stabilizing forces and moments was studied at two stairway pitches (41 and 49 deg). Two age groups were tested: young (20 to 45) and elderly (59 and over), with a total of 40 subjects. The results at the two stairway pitches were similar to results obtained previously at a pitch of 33 deg. With increasing handrail height, the ability to generate forward/backward forces and forward/backward moments increased linearly whereas the ability to generate upward force decreased linearly. Based on the results, optimal design values for handrail height were estimated for each stairway pitch.

An experimental study was performed investigating the influence of handrail height on the ability of stairway users to generate stabilizing forces and moments, with the aim of improving stairway safety by developing better handrail design standards. The experiments involved measurement of the maximum forces and moments that subjects were able to exert on a handrail while they stood stationary in an upright position. Two age groups were tested: young (20 to 45 years) and elderly (59 years and over), with a total of 35 subjects. All subjects showed a strong linear dependence on handrail height in generating stabilizing forces and moments. Ability to generate forward/backward forces and forward/backward moments increased linearly with increasing handrail height. Ability to generate upward force decreased linearly with increasing handrail height. Based on the results, an optimal design range for handrail height was estimated.