What are the AMTI Instrumented Stairs?

The AMTI Instrumented Stairs are a removable force-sensing stairway system designed to integrate with AMTI's solid-top force plates for comprehensive biomechanical analysis of stair ascent and descent. By attaching directly to two embedded force plates, the system isolates the forces and moments generated during four consecutive steps, providing researchers and clinicians with precise ground reaction force data for stair locomotion studies.

An innovative nesting design alternates the platform to which each step is connected, ensuring that no two consecutive steps transfer load to the same force plate. This allows clean, simultaneous measurement of bilateral step kinetics throughout the entire stair-climbing or descending sequence. When not in use, the stairs detach via through-top mounting bolts, restoring the force plates for standard walking, running, jumping, or balance assessments.

Key Features

• Removable Nesting Design: Stairs attach and detach via through-top bolts, enabling rapid switching between stair and flat-surface testing protocols using the same force plates.
• Alternating Force Distribution: Innovative nesting architecture ensures no two consecutive steps load the same force plate, enabling true bilateral step-by-step kinetic measurement.
• Four-Step Analysis: Captures forces and moments across four consecutive steps in a single trial, providing a complete stair cycle for clinical or research evaluation.
• Dual Force Plate Compatibility: Compatible with AMTI’s BMS and HPS series solid-top platforms in 46×51 cm and 40×60 cm configurations.
• Standard Clinical Dimensions: Steps are 23.8″ wide with a 7″ rise and 10.4″ run — matching real-world stair geometry for ecological validity.
• Multi-Application Versatility: Detachable design returns force plates to standalone configuration for gait, balance, running, and jump-landing assessments.