title: An analysis of the effects of ramp slope on people with mobility impairments.
abstract: A study was conducted to evaluate the usability of the range of ramp slopes allowed under the current ADA accessibility guidelines. One hundred seventy-one subjects of all ages and using different types of mobility aids traversed a 30-foot ramp varying in slope from 1:8 to 1:20. Data were recorded for pulse rate, energy expenditure, rate of travel, distance traveled, and the location of rest stops. Findings show that among all subjects only a few manual wheelchair users had difficulty traversing all 30 feet in ascent, even on slopes as steep as 1:8. Based on these results, changes to the technical requirements for ramp slope and length cannot be recommended at this time.
authors.affiliation: Center for Universal Design, School of Design, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-8613, USA.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Sanford
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Story
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001107:Architectural Accessibility; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D014853:Walkers; D014910:Wheelchairs