Walking down the stairs, a daily activity that many engage in without much thought, actually poses risks for certain groups of people. A recent study has found that young women, in particular, are more likely to engage in behaviors and wear footwear that increases their risk of falling on stairs compared to young men. These behaviors include multitasking, having conversations while descending the stairs, holding objects in their hands, and wearing sandals, flip-flops, or high heels.
The study, published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on July 26, 2023, observed college students to gather data. Shirley Rietdyk, the senior author and a professor of health and kinesiology at Purdue University, advises people of all ages to take precautions when using stairs. Her advice includes wearing appropriate shoes, using the handrail, paying attention to the stairs, avoiding the use of electronic devices, and keeping hands free.
The research team videotaped two indoor staircases on a university campus over a semester. One staircase had only two steps, while the other had 17 steps. After analyzing the behavior of 2,400 young adults on either staircase, the researchers identified eight risky behaviors, including not using the handrail, not watching the stairs while descending, wearing improper footwear, engaging in conversations or using electronic devices, and holding objects. Several individuals, both men and women, lost their balance during the study, but recovered.
The study found that women were less likely to use the handrail on long staircases, more likely to hold objects while descending, more likely to be engaged in conversations, and more likely to wear improper footwear. However, women were less likely to skip steps and more likely to pay attention to the stair treads.
It’s important to note that the study focused on young adults on a university campus and cannot be generalized to the entire population. However, the findings are consistent with observations made in mall settings, providing support for the study’s conclusions.
Falling on stairs is particularly risky and can result in serious injuries. Children under the age of 3, young adults in their 20s, and older adults over the age of 85 are the groups most prone to falling on stairs. Young adult women have an 80% higher risk of injuring themselves compared to men, making them one of the highest-risk groups for stair-related injuries.
Preventing falls on stairs requires awareness and caution. Dr. Mariam Zakhary, a sports medicine physician, warns against using electronic devices and headphones while on stairs, as it removes vital sensory inputs and increases the risk of accidents. Avoiding distractions and wearing appropriate footwear are crucial. Zakhary also advises older adults to use assistive devices specifically designed for stairs and to have regular check-ups for their eyes, hearing, and physical health.
Identifying and addressing risk factors can significantly reduce the risk of falls. While not all risk factors can be modified, many can be mitigated through awareness and appropriate care. Regular communication with healthcare providers and loved ones, along with regular check-ups and necessary treatments, can help prevent falls and injuries on stairs.
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