FlexiRise System™: Portable & Collapsible Rehabilitation Stairs

This manual provides step-by-step guidance for constructing a portable, collapsible, and height-adjustable set of training stairs designed to support physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and mobility skill development. The design emphasizes safety, modularity, and ease of use, enabling clinicians, educators, and users to configure stair heights to meet a wide range of training needs.

This stair system was designed and developed in 2025 by Northeastern University BIOE Capstone Team L, consisting of Madison Morgan, Teddy Patterson, Darnelle Felisier, Ghita Kdiry and Victoria Simmons. The team created this build to make rehabilitation equipment more accessible, adaptable, and affordable for a variety of clinical and community environments.

These stairs are provided as a do-it-yourself construction project and are not a commercially certified medical device. All building, assembly, and use are undertaken at the builder’s and user’s own risk. Neither the student designers, Northeastern University, nor any affiliated faculty, staff, or partners assume responsibility or liability for injuries, damages, or losses resulting from the construction, modification, or use of this equipment. If these stairs will be used in a clinical or therapeutic setting, users should consult a qualified professional to verify that the structure meets the necessary safety and performance requirements.

Lastly, the team would like to acknowledge and thank the Northeastern Rural Health Initiative and Dr. Daniel Grindle for their support and partnership throughout this project. Their commitment to improving healthcare access and well-being in rural communities has been central in helping the team support Pen Bay Hospital and contribute to addressing healthcare disparities in underserved areas.

This section provides instructions for building the wooden base and 2-inch platform that form the foundation of the adjustable stair system. The design emphasizes stability, straightforward assembly, and compatibility with the modular step components that stack on top.

The drawer assemblies create the variable stair heights by sliding smoothly in and out from the base structure. Their nested design allows multiple height configurations while maintaining stability and ease of adjustment during use.

The handrails provide essential user support by offering a secure, ergonomic gripping surface during stair training activities. Their angled design ensures proper reach and stability while integrating seamlessly with the base structure.

Accessories such as locks and handles enhance usability by securing the stair modules in place and offering convenient points of grip during setup or adjustment. This section demonstrates how to install these components to improve safety, portability, and overall functionality of the system.