Evaluation of Standing-Up Motion from a Forward-Sloping Toilet Seat for Older People

Manabu Chikai,Emi Ozawa,Shuichi Ino,Hiroshi Endo

doi:10.3390/app11041368

Abstract

(1) Background: In-home assistive systems to help people with physical disabilities stand up from toilets are necessary, and the ease of the standing-up motion should be evaluated. (2) Methods: This study investigated the ease of the standing-up motion using objective and subjective data from healthy participants to facilitate the development of a toilet-seat-tilting system. Participants were divided into younger and older age groups. Objective data concerning muscle activity (EMG), three-dimensional (3D) body motion, and center of pressure distribution (COP) were collected. The participants also provided subjective data related to standing up from a toilet tilted at three different angles. (3) Results: All participants repeated the motion 25 times for each angle and provided feedback regarding their standing-up experience under each condition. Objective EMG, COP, and 3D body motion analysis results varied across individuals and age groups. The older group exhibited a consistent pattern of head motion while standing up. Thus, older individuals prefer a forward trunk-inclination motion. (4) Conclusions: According to the collected subjective data, all participants found it easier to stand when the seat angle was 5° or 10°; objective data on the ankle dorsiflexion angle, muscle activity, and head motion may be related to the subjective ease of the standing-up motion.

Highlights

Accepted: 31 January 2021In recent years, the number of slips and falls during walking or other movements among older people with sarcopenia has been increasing [1,2]
analysis of variance (ANOVA) results for each age group indicated that ankle dorsiflexion angle was affected by toilet seat angle, with statistically significant differences observed between 5◦ and 10◦ and between 5◦ and 15◦ (p < 0.01 with the Bonferroni test)
Forward trunk inclination angle was affected by toilet seat angle, especially between 5◦ and 15◦ (p < 0.01)

Summary

Introduction

The number of slips and falls during walking or other movements among older people with sarcopenia has been increasing [1,2]. Control and Prevention (CDC) [3] reported that the prevalence of falls associated with toilet use ranges from 19% to 37% in older persons. Slips and falls during bathroom use accounted for over 40% of all in a Japanese hospital [4]; these accidents occur during walking and translation motions as well as during attempted standing-up motions, for example, from a bathtub or toilet seat. In 2016, CDC reported that deaths from falls in the United States increased by 30% over the past 10 years [5]. In 2015, medical costs of fatal falls and fall injuries among older people in the United States were approximately $50 billion [6].

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Discussion

Conclusion