Exercise & Training

Impact of individual factors on stepping anomalies in ladder climbing.

Griffin S, Snyder L, Chambers A, Beschorner K • Applied ergonomics • 2026

PubMed 42156209 DOI 10.1016/j.apergo.2026.104820

TL;DR

Ladder fall risk was dependent on the ladder (with non-vertical ladders improving safety) and the individual (where leaner climbers and greater strength were safer), with stepping anomalies occurring in 21.5% of trials.

Key Findings

Results

Stepping anomalies occurred in 21.5% of all ladder climbing trials across the study sample.

Study assessed 87 individuals across multiple ladder conditions
Four common events were assessed: rung kicking, foot readjustments, double stepping (stepping on a rung with both feet), and skipping rungs
Events collectively occurred in 21.5% of trials
The study examined both destabilizing and compensatory events during climbing

Results

Rung kicks were associated with vertical ladders and the ascent phase of climbing.

Rung kicking was one of four stepping anomalies assessed in the study
The association was specific to vertical ladder configurations as opposed to angled ladders
The relationship was directionally specific, occurring during ascent rather than descent
Ladder angle was one of the individual/design factors examined in the study

Results

Foot readjustments were associated with vertical ladders and the descent phase of climbing.

Foot readjustments represent a compensatory event in response to destabilization
The association was specific to vertical ladder configurations
The relationship was directionally specific, occurring during descent rather than ascent
This contrasts with rung kicks, which were associated with ascent on vertical ladders

Results

High grip strength and low waist-to-height ratio (WHR) were associated with rung skipping during ladder climbing.

Grip strength and waist-to-height ratio (WHR) were the individual factors assessed
Skipping rungs was identified as a behavior associated with leaner, stronger climbers
Low WHR (leaner body composition) was linked to rung skipping
High grip strength was linked to rung skipping, suggesting more physically capable climbers skip rungs more frequently

Results

Low grip strength and high waist-to-height ratio were associated with double stepping during ladder climbing.

Double stepping was defined as stepping on a rung with both feet
High WHR (less lean body composition) was associated with double stepping
Low grip strength was associated with double stepping
Double stepping was characterized as a destabilizing or compensatory event distinct from rung skipping, representing a contrasting behavioral pattern to that seen in stronger, leaner climbers

Results

Non-vertical ladder angles were associated with improved safety compared to vertical ladder configurations.

Ladder angle was identified as a key design factor influencing stepping anomaly occurrence
Both rung kicking and foot readjustments were specifically associated with vertical ladders
Non-vertical ladders were described as improving safety relative to vertical ladders
The study framed ladder angle as a modifiable design factor relevant to fall prevention

Background

The study identified that understanding of ladder design and climber characteristics is limited in explaining motor errors and compensation strategies during climbing.

The study was motivated by the gap in understanding how ladder design and climber characteristics influence motor errors
Both destabilizing events (e.g., rung kicks) and compensatory strategies (e.g., foot readjustments, double stepping) were assessed
87 individuals were recruited, providing a relatively large sample for ladder climbing biomechanics research
Individual factors assessed included grip strength and waist-to-height ratio alongside the design factor of ladder angle

What This Means

This research suggests that both ladder design and individual physical characteristics meaningfully influence the likelihood of making stepping errors while climbing ladders — errors that can contribute to falls. Across 87 participants, researchers tracked four types of stepping problems: accidentally kicking a rung, needing to readjust a foot's placement, placing both feet on the same rung (double stepping), and skipping rungs entirely. These events happened in about one in five climbing trials. Vertical ladders (straight up-and-down) were linked to more rung kicks during climbing up and more foot readjustments during climbing down, while angled ladders appeared safer overall. The study also found that a climber's body composition and strength mattered. People with higher grip strength and leaner body proportions (lower waist-to-height ratio) tended to skip rungs — a behavior that may reflect confidence or efficiency but could carry its own risks. Conversely, people with lower grip strength and higher waist-to-height ratios were more likely to double step, placing both feet on the same rung, which may reflect difficulty maintaining balance or pace. This research matters for workplace safety because it suggests that ladder fall prevention is not one-size-fits-all. Non-vertical ladder designs may reduce certain types of stepping errors for all users, while individual workers may have different risk profiles depending on their physical characteristics. These findings could inform ladder design standards and help identify workers who may benefit from additional training or equipment accommodations.

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Citation

Griffin S, Snyder L, Chambers A, Beschorner K. (2026). Impact of individual factors on stepping anomalies in ladder climbing.. Applied ergonomics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2026.104820

Key Findings

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