title: An exploratory randomized controlled trial of assisted practice for improving sit-to-stand in stroke patients in the hospital setting.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the amount of practice achieved and assess potential for effects on performance of 30 minutes of daily training in sit-to-stand.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled pilot study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Stroke rehabilitation unit, UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen stroke patients needing ;stand by' help to sit-to-stand.
  
  
  METHODS
  In addition to usual rehabilitation the experimental group (n = 9) practised sit-to-stand and leg strengthening exercises for 30 minutes, on weekdays for two weeks, with a physiotherapy assistant. The control group received arm therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Frequency of sit-to-stands per day. Performance measures: rise time, weight taken through the affected foot at ;thighs off', number of attempts needed to achieve three successful sit-to-stands and the number of sit-to-stands performed in 60 seconds. Outcome was measured one and two weeks after baseline assessment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sit-to-stand frequency averaged 18 per day. Thirty minutes of practice in sit-to-stand resulted in a mean of 50 (SD 17.2) extra stands per day. There was a significant mean difference of 10% body weight taken through the affected foot after one week of intervention: The control group had reduced weight through the affected leg while the training group increased weight (F(1,16) = 11.1, P= 0.004, 95% confidence interval (CI) -16.61 to -3.72). No significant differences between groups were found on other measures. Results two weeks after baseline were inconclusive due to loss of five participants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Task-specific practice given for 30 minutes a day appears promising for patients learning to sit-to-stand.
authors.affiliation: North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Britton
authors.forename: Nigel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Ailie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Turton
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement; D011187:Posture; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome