This study aimed to clarify the kinematic and kinetic factors that enable patients with stroke in recovery phase to achieve successful sit-to-stand movements during recovery.
As the sit-to-stand movements of patients were routinely measured in our hospital, this study included 10 out of 152 patients. Measurements were performed twice; as the patients failed and successfully stood independently. At the first measurement, the patients stood but could not maintains a standing position. The movements were measured using a three-dimensional (3D) motion capture system (VICON Nexus and nine cameras) and four force plantes. The outcomes were changes in 3D angular displacement of the pelvis, thorax, and lower extremity joints and COM movements from the start to seat-off. Maximum values of lower extremity joint torque before and after seat-off and ratio of the load between the paretic and the non-paretic limbs at seat-off were analyzed. Comparisons were made between the first and the second measurements using Wilcoxson’s signed-rank test with a significance level of p=0.05. This study was approved by Showa University Research Ethics Review Board and Ethical Review Boards of Nakaizu Rehabilitation Center.
The duration between the two measurements was 53.5±35.0 days. In the second measurement the peak value of the hip flexion torque, forward movement of the COM, and the forward leaning of the thorax before seat-off were significantly larger than those of the first measurement. No differences were found in other parameters, including knee extension torque after seat-off.
The sit-to-stand movements of the dependent patients with difficulty in performing the task were investigated. Significant differences were found in the outcomes before seat-off, which differs from other studies that investigated the same movement in independent patients.
These study results could improve the rehabilitation programs for patients with difficulty in sit-to-stand movements.
sit-to-stand
biomechanics
