To investigate how varying seat heights impact the duration of the preparation and rising phases and the CoP displacement in both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions in healthy young Vietnamese adults.
Participants performed the STS task from chair heights adjusted to achieve knee flexion angles of 60, 90, and 120 degrees. Data were collected using two force plates, capturing CoP displacement and phase duration. The study was conducted from March 22, 2024, to May 25, 2024, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Twenty-four healthy young adults participated (equal gender distribution; mean age = 21.04 years). Rising from lower seat heights significantly increased the duration of both the preparation and rising phases (p0.001). CoP displacement in the anterior-posterior direction and medial-lateral direction was significantly greater at lower seat heights compared to higher seats (p0.05). However, no significant difference in CoP displacement was observed between the 60- and 90-degree seat heights, indicating that postural stability challenges are similar at these lower positions.
Lower seat heights lead to increased phase duration and greater CoP displacement, indicating higher demands on balance and stability during the STS task. These findings are particularly relevant for fall risk assessments and mobility training and can inform future research in populations accustomed to low seating, such as Vietnamese adults.
The results suggest that clinicians should consider seat height when designing interventions or assessments aimed at improving functional mobility and balance in young adults. Understanding the increased demands on stability at lower seat heights may help develop better training protocols to improve postural control and reduce fall risk, especially in contexts where low seating is commonly used.
seat height
center of pressure
