This study aimed to investigate whether MSS training improves load asymmetry during sit-to-stand and walking in patients with HF.
A total of 28 patients with HF were randomly assigned to MSS and normal sit-to-stand (NSS) groups, each with age-matched stratification. As an intervention, the MSS group performed sit-to-stand training with the affected foot positioned half a foot length posteriorly, whereas the NSS group performed sit-to-stand training with the affected and unaffected feet in the same position. The height of the seat was set at 140% of the participant's lower leg length in both groups. The intervention lasted 15 minutes/day, 7 days/week, for 2 weeks in both groups, and physical therapy content other than the intervention was the same in both groups. The measurement items included the amount of load on the affected and unaffected limbs during sit-to-stand, amount of load on the affected limb during walking, maximum isometric muscle strength of the affected limb, balance function (berg balance scale; BBS), 10 m gait speed, and degree of pain involving the affected limb (visual analogue scale; VAS). Measurements were obtained before and after the intervention. A two-way analysis of variance was conducted, using period and group as factors for statistical analysis.
Significant group × time interactions were observed for load symmetry during sit-to-stand (p 0.05), knee extensor strength of the affected limb (p 0.05), and BBS score (p 0.05). In both cases, the MSS group demonstrated greater improvement than the NSS group; load symmetry (mean change, MSS; 0.09 ± 0.12, NSS; -0.03 ± 0.15), knee extensor strength (mean change, MSS; 0.41 ± 0.37 N/kg, NSS; -0.07 ± 0.32 N/kg), and BBS score (mean change, MSS; 4.93 ± 1.91 points, NSS; 2.64 ± 1.84 points), respectively. No significant differences were identified in the amount of load on the affected limb during walking, 10 m gait speed, or the VAS score.
In this study, MSS training in patients with HF improved load asymmetry during sit-to-stand and improved knee extensor strength and balance function in the affected limb compared to outcomes observed with NSS.
MSS training that combines posterior foot positioning and chair seat elevation is a clinically useful method to effectively improve load asymmetry in patients with HF. However, the use of MSS training may be limited as the effect is not reflected in load asymmetry during walking.
load asymmetry
sit-to-stand
