Performing a sit to stand transfer is a prerequisite for many activities of daily living. In fact, most people perform this transfer many times each day; when getting out of bed, after sitting at the table for a meal and during toileting. However, this transfer has been defined as one of the most biomechanically difficult functional tasks, which only becomes more difficult as people age [21]. To aid this transfer, particularly for older people performing a toilet sit to stand transfer, equipment or home modifications are generally prescribed. The home modifications commonly consist of the installation of a grabrail. However, there remains much debate among therapists worldwide as to the correct positioning and orientation for grabrails. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing literature to identify the effects of grabrail orientation on the body and areas which require further research. To complete this research project a systematic review protocol was adopted. This is a rigorous process which ensures that all relevant and available literature on a given topic is located, reviewed and analysed. A specific search strategy was developed to ensure a comprehensive search of all data sources was completed. The data included in this review was obtained from a variety of sources including electronic databases, the World Wide Web and legislation and regulatory documents. A strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed to ensure only the most important and relevant information was included in this review. A total of 27 articles and 15 national and international legislation and regulatory documents were located and included in this systematic review. A majority of the research located was completed in the United States of America and Australia. Many of the articles were biomechanically oriented and focused on the older population, who more regularly use grabrails. All of the articles included in this systematic review agreed that some form of arm support, be it grabrails or armrests, provided support to the body while performing a sit to stand transfer. However, no clear recommendations could be made on which orientation of grabrail assists the person without causing undue stress. From the results, specific biomechanical stresses were identified for each grabrail orientation. Further research is required in this area to develop improved guidelines for therapists, policy makers, home modification providers and consumers alike.