Rising from Sitting in Elderly People, Part 1: Implications of Biomechanics and Physiology

Abstract

Rising from a sitting position is arguably the most frequently performed component of activities of daily living and is a prerequisite to functional mobility and subsequent meaningful activity. A difficulty with rising, commonly observed in elderly people, may either be a nuisance factor or have a serious impact on independence and quality of life; thus the occupational therapist seeks to maintain and improve this function. This literature review is in two parts. Part 1 discusses the functional implications and importance of rising from sitting and provides a biomechanical analysis of sit-to-stand that focuses on balance and momentum. It considers the dynamic relationship between the centre of mass and the centre of pressure, the phases of rising and the factors that affect ease of rising, such as initial body position, speed of rising and age-related physiological changes. Part 2 will offer movement, environmental and motivational strategies based on the findings presented in part 1. These strategies are designed to help elderly people to compensate for difficulties in rising. The analysis and strategies proposed are also applicable to younger clients with balance or muscle strength impairments.