| Objective:To explore the effects of arm position and seat height on sit-to-stand (STS) lower limb loading and stability in hemiplegic stroke patients. Methods: Thirty hemiplegic patients with stroke were recruited who were required to complete the STS with different arm positions (grasped arms, GA; and crossed arms, CA) and seat height (high chair, and standard chair). The duration, mean lower limb loading, index of asymmetry of limb load (IOA) and sway of the center of gravity (COG) in mediolateral directions (COGX) were measured during STS in 4 cases by gait and balance function training and assessment system (model AL-080). The differences between them were compared. Results: At GA, except for time required for STS, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) in the average loading of the non-paretic foot and the paretic foot, IOA and COGX as compared with those at CA. However, there was no significant difference in the average loading of the non paretic foot and the paretic foot, and IOA between the two seat heights at any arm position, and the significant difference was found in time required for STS and COGX (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in all indicators between left and right hemiplegia. Conclusion: Changing the upper limb position affects lower limb loading and postural stability during STS in hemiplegic stroke patients. However, seat height influences postural stability during STS in hemiplegic stroke patients. |
