Rising from Sitting in Elderly People, Part 2: Strategies to Facilitate Rising

Abstract

Rising from a sitting position is an important component of activities of daily living. Although not meaningful in itself, it is a precursor to mobility and other meaningful activities. As such, a difficulty in rising due to gradual age-related changes must be addressed by occupational therapists working in community or institutional settings. This literature review is in two parts. Part 1 discussed the functional implications and importance of rising from sitting and provided a biomechanical analysis of sit-to-stand that focused on balance and momentum. It considered the dynamic relationship between the centre of mass and the centre of pressure, phases of rising and factors that affect ease of rising, such as Initial body position, speed of rising and age-related physiological changes. Part 2 addresses this Issue and provides movement, environmental and motivational strategies that may be appropriate for elderly clients. By using knowledge from biomechanics, environmental influences and learning strategies, the occupational therapist can provide various strategies to facilitate rising.