JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Grab bars are a multi-function bathing tool. While grab bars are commonly recommended by rehabilitation professionals, existing literature regarding optimal grab bar locations is focused on preference rather than function.

Objective:

We evaluated grab bar grasp location on eight grab bar configurations during bathtub exit, with and without balance loss, and sit-to-stand from a bath seat.

Methods:

Motion capture was used to evaluate grasp location during bathing activities in older (65+ years) and younger (18-35 years) adults. Grasp location was compared between age groups and balance loss conditions using ANOVA, and correlated with body height.

Results:

Vertical grasp location varied from close to the bathtub rim to more than one meter above the bathtub rim, while horizontal grasp location was close to the bathtub rim during bathtub exit, and close to the bath seat during sit–to-stand. Young adult participants grasped 9.4% lower on vertical grab bars during perturbation trials than non-perturbation trials. Body height was positively correlated with grasp height on a vertical grab bar during non-perturbation trials, and negatively correlated with grasp distance on a low horizontal grab bar during sit-to-stand.

Conclusions:

Grab bar grasp location varied between proactive and reactive grasp scenarios, and was linked to user height for some situations. These findings may be used to guide selection of a grab bar installation location to support multiple bathing tasks. Clinical Trial: n/a