Effects of Different Chair Heights on Ground Reaction Force and Trunk Flexion during Sit-to-Stand in the Elderly

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the coordination between trunk flexion and lower limb extension contributing to vertical propulsion during sit-to-stand (STS) at different chair heights in the elderly. Methods: Ten elderly subjects were asked to stand up at their natural speed from different chair heights : (1) $90^{\circ}$ knee flexion; (2) $100^{\circ}$ knee flexion; (3) $110^{\circ}$ knee flexion; and (4) $120^{\circ}$ knee flexion. A standard chair without a backrest or armrests was used in this study. To remove inertial effects of upper limb movements, subjects were asked to stand up from a chair with their arms crossed at the chest. Mean of results of three trials were used in the analysis at different knee flexion angles. Distances moved by the shoulder for compensatory trunk movement was recorded by motion analysis and vertical force was recorded under foot using force plates. Distances moved by the shoulder and vertical ground reaction force measurements were analyzed using repeated ANOVA. Results: Distances moved by the shoulder significantly decreased with higher chair (p<0.05). Vertical forces were not significant difference on chair heights (p>0.05), but results of pairwise comparisons for vertical force revealed significant difference between $90^{\circ}$ knee flexion and $120^{\circ}$ knee flexion (p<0.05). Conclusion: Trunk movement is probably used as a compensatory mechanism at low chair heights to increase lift-off from sitting by the elderly.