The sit-to-stand movement in stroke patients and its correlation with falling.
OBJECTIVE
To use kinetic assessment of the sit-to-stand movement as a means of sorting out those stroke patients at risk for falling.


METHODS
A retrospective study, using a force platform to assess sit-to-stand performance and to determine its correlation with falls in stroke patients.


METHODS
Hospital-based rehabilitation units.


METHODS
Thirty-three stroke patients (18 fallers, 15 nonfallers) and 25 age-matched healthy subjects were included in this study. Subjects sat in an adjustable chair with their feet on two force plates and performed the standing up/sitting down movement at a self-paced, comfortable speed.


RESULTS
The rate of rise in force (dF/dT) was significantly lower in stroke fallers than in stroke nonfallers and healthy subjects (23.78+/-17.38, 55.23+/-31.24, and 85.96+/-42.4 percent body weight per second, respectively [p < .005]). The center of pressure sway in mediolateral direction during rising/ sitting down was much greater in stroke fallers than in stroke nonfallers or healthy subjects (p < .05). Body weight distribution was asymmetric on the feet of stroke patients, with much more body weight on their sound side.


CONCLUSIONS
The significantly lower rate of rise in force and greater postural sway while rising/sitting down may be useful in identifying stroke patients who are at risk for falling.
Cheng
P T
PT
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.
Liaw
M Y
MY
Wong
M K
MK
Tang
F T
FT
Lee
M Y
MY
Lin
P S
PS
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000368:Aged; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004292:Dominance, Cerebral / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*