Sit-to-stand Test Research Articles

SIT TO STAND TEST OSTEOARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Osteoarthritis is a disease found in the elderly or often called a degenerative disease. The prevalence of total osteoarthritis in Indonesia was 34.3 million in 2002 and reached 36.5 million in 2007. An estimated 40% of the population above 70 years old suffer from osteoarthritis, and 80% of osteoarthritis patients have limited mobility in various degrees from mild to severe resulting in reducing the quality of life because of the high prevalence. The development of a simple approach to quantitatively estimating functional motor performance in various ages is very important for early detection of locomotive syndrome (LS), one of which is the sit to stand test (STST). In Indonesia, there are no studies that discuss STST, so the cut off point or even the average can be different. This can be influenced by differences in culture, demographics, activities, or treatment regimens. Based on the problem above, the researcher tries to find out the average and standard deviation of STST scores in Osteoathritis patients at Ahmad Yani Hospital, Surabaya by accidental sampling method on secondary data, namely Medical Records in 2019 at the Rehab ilitation outpatient clinic of Ahmad Yani Hospital in August-September 2019. The data recorded is in the form of quantitative data in units of seconds. Furthermore, the data is processed using SPSS 17 and displays the average value and standard deviation.

Behavior of the muscle quality index and isometric strength in elderly women

This study aimed (I) to compare the muscle quality index (MQI) and the isometric hip strength between younger and older women, and (II) to determine the relationship of the MQI with the sit-to-stand test (STS) and isometric hip strength in younger and older women. Twenty-eight elderly women (age= 66.2 ± 5.6 years) and twenty younger women (21.2 ± 2.2 years) participated in the study. The following dependent variables were measured: MQI, STS, body composition, and the peak isometric strength of the hip (PF) which was also normalized using three different methods (PF/Body Mass, PF/Fat-Free Mass, and PF/Body Mass0,335). Older women presented a lower PF in hip flexion, extension and external rotation regardless of the method of normalization (p < 0.001), but the PF of hip abductors and internal rotators was higher for older women (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the MQI between older and younger women (p = 0.443). The MQI was negatively correlated with the time in the STS in older women (r = -0.706, p < 0.001) and younger women (r = -0.729, p < 0.001), while the correlations of MQI with isometric hip strength were weaker in older women (r range: -0.082 – 0.556) and younger women (r range: -0.020 – 0.309). MQI is a clinical and practical tool to assess the muscular power of the lower extremities.

A Fully Soft and Passive Assistive Device to Lower the Metabolic Cost of Sit-to-Stand.

Various assistive devices like exoskeletons have been developed to aid the growing number of disabled people. Recent studies have started to explore using soft rather than rigid components to create lightweight and unobtrusive systems that can be more easily adopted by the general population. However, there is a tradeoff between compliance and power in these systems. We investigated the physiological benefits of using an inconspicuous, soft and passive assistive device which would avoid bulkiness, heaviness and user discomfort. We chose to assist the sit-to-stand (STS) maneuver because it is a common activity of daily living (ADL). STS is also recognized as one of the most challenging ADLs due to the high knee torque required, and the primary limiting factor is known to be knee extensor strength. Thus, the objective of this research was to develop and evaluate an unobtrusive knee assist wear called X-tights that could aid knee extension during STS using only soft and passive components. This was accomplished by routing elastic bands across the lower extremity. Thirty-one healthy participants performed STS tests with and without the X-tights, while metabolic cost and muscle activity were recorded. Metabolic power significantly decreased, by 3.2 ± 1.5% (P = 0.04), when utilizing the X-tights during the STS, while there was no statistically significant differences in muscle activity. The present work introduces a new soft and passive assist wear that can be worn inconspicuously under normal clothing, and we demonstrate promising results for the future development and integration of soft assistive technology for daily life.

Relation Between Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior And Chronic Disease Risk Factors Using Principal Component Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The overall health status of individual’s with chronic disease (CD) are positively and negatively affected by physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB), respectively. The purpose of this study was to examine the relation between PA, SB and selected indices of health in a diverse CD population using a principal component analysis (PCA). METHODS: Participants (n=237, 54.4% female, age (mean±SD) 62.2±11.1 yr) were recruited at induction to a community-based exercise program for CD. Primary CD included cardiovascular (n=101), respiratory (n=48), cancer (n=80), diabetes (n=34), arthritis (n=26) and unclassified (n=78). BMI and waist to hip ratio (WHR) were measured and calculated using standard procedures. Upper and lower body strength, flexibility and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed using a hand-grip test, sit-to-stand test (STS), sit and reach test (SRT), and 6-min time trial (6MTT), respectively. PA and SB were recorded using an activPAL3 micro accelerometer. QoL was assessed using the EQ5D VAS and the PHQ8. Fasting serum levels of glucose, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C and CRP were measured. Blood pressure (BP) was measured using a 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor. ActivPAL generated PA and SB variables were analyzed using PCA. General linear models were used to investigate the association between PA and SB and indices of health. RESULTS: PCA analysis of sedentary time, standing time, stepping time, LIPA, MVPA, step count, sedentary bout lengths and total number of sedentary bouts generated three distinct factor; i) prolonged sedentary behavior (PSB), ii) physical activity (PA), and iii) broken sedentary behavior (BSB). The three derived variables account for 86% of the total the variance in PA and SB. There was a significant main effect for PSB on LDL-C (F (1,189) = 9.06) and PHQ8 scores (F(1,162) = 6.82). There was a significant main effect for PA on BMI (F(1,99) = 14.48), WHR (F(1,99) = 5.77), STS (F(1,222) =77.08), 6 MTT (F(1,222) = 77.08), EQ5D VAS (F(1,162) = 14.13), triglycerides (F(1,188) = 4.95), CRP (F(1,155) = 4.28), and systolic BP (F(1,99) = 4.94). There was a significant main effect for BSB on HDL cholesterol (F(1,188) = 6.25). CONCLUSIONS: The PCA derived factors PSB, PA and BSB are associated with established disease risk factors in patients with CD

Boxing Exercises as Therapy for Parkinson Disease

A noncontact boxing program called “Rock Steady Boxing” (RSB) is a popular exercise option for people with Parkinson disease (PD). This retrospective observational study assessed the impact of RSB on clinically relevant outcome measures in 62 PD patients. The change from program beginning to completion in the 30-second sit-to-stand (STS) test, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, a quality-of-life survey (the EQ-5D), and a satisfaction survey was analyzed. Significant improvement was observed in the STS and TUG tests for participants completing their first or second RSB sessions. These results indicate benefits of RSB for people with PD.

Muscle Activation and Distribution during Four Test/Functional Tasks: A Comparison between Dry-Land and Aquatic Environments for Healthy Older and Young Adults

Background: The use of rehabilitation protocols carried out in water has been progressively increasing due to the favorable physical properties of the water. Electromyography allows one to register muscle activity even under water. Aim: To compare muscle activity between two groups (healthy young adults (HYA) and healthy older adults (HOA)) in two different environments (dry land and aquatic) using surface electromyography during the execution of four different test/functional movements. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study. HYA and HOA carried out four functional tasks (Step Up and Down, Sit TO Stand test, Gait Initiation and Turns During Gait) in two different environments (dry land and aquatic). Absolute and relative muscle activation was compared between each group and between each environment. In addition, the stability of the measured was calculated through a test-retest (ICC 2:1). Results: Within the same environment there were significant differences between young and older adults in three of the four functional tasks. In contrast, in the gait initiation, hardly any significant differences were found between the two groups analysed, except for the soleus and the anterior tibial. Measurement stability ranged from good to excellent. Conclusions: Level of the musculature involvement presents an entirely different distribution when the test/functional task is performed on dry land or in water. There are differences both in the relative activation of the musculature and in the distribution of the partition of the muscles comparing older and young adults within the same environment.

Validation of the Oxford Knee Score and Lower Extremity Functional Score questionnaires for use in Slovenia.

With the increasing prevalence of total knee replacement (TKR) due to knee osteoarthritis, the absence of patient-reported outcome measures in Slovenia must be addressed. (1) We cross-culturally adapted Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) questionnaires to the Slovenian-speaking community. (2) We evaluated OKS and LEFS psychometric characteristics. In the first assessment (Time 1) Slovenian versions of both questionnaires (OKS-Slo and LEFS-Slo), knee pain, timed-up to go (TUG) and sit to stand (STS) tests were completed by 123 subjects (55% females), of which 78 were patients scheduled for TKR and 45 were healthy age-matched controls. The questionnaires were assessed one week apart (Time 2) to investigate the test-retest reliability, with 121 subjects (98.4%) completing second measurements. Significant differences were observed between the two groups. Where patients had greater body mass index, they were slower in TUG, weaker in STS, had greater knee pain in both knees and scored lower on both questionnaires. Additionally, correlation analysis showed that OKS-Slo and LEFS-Slo correlated almost perfectly (correlation coefficient [CC] = .968, p < 0.001). Excellent negative correlations were observed with TUG (OKS-Slo/CC = -0.679, p < 0.001; LEFS-Slo/CC = -0.692, p < 0.001) and STS (OKS-Slo/CC = 0.790, p < 0.001; LEFS-Slo/CC = 0.815, p < 0.001) tests, while knee pain of affected leg correlated the most (OKS-Slo/CC = -0.923, p < 0.001; LEFS-Slo/CC = -0.915, p < 0.001). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for both the OKS-Slo and LEFS-Slo ranged between 0.87 and 0.99, while the interclass correlation coefficient was excellent; i.e., 0.99. Finally, both questionnaires proved to be unidimensional measures. The Slovenian version of both questionnaires is feasible, valid and reliable for use in clinical studies including the older adult population in Slovenia. Level III, Diagnostic-case-control study.

Physical Performance Testing in Kidney Transplant Candidates at the Top of the Waitlist

Frailty and poor physical function are associated with adverse kidney transplant outcomes, but how to incorporate this knowledge into clinical practice is uncertain. We studied the association between measured physical performance and clinical outcomes among patients on kidney transplant waitlists. Prospective observational cohort study. We studied consecutive patients evaluated in our Transplant Readiness Assessment Clinic, a top-of-the-waitlist management program, from May 2017 through December 2018 (N=305). We incorporated physical performance testing, including the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the sit-to-stand (STS) test, into routine clinical assessments. 6MWT and STS test results. The primary outcome was time to adverse waitlist outcomes (removal from waitlist or death); secondary outcomes were time to transplantation and time to death. We used linear regression to examine the relationship between clinical characteristics and physical performance test results. We used subdistribution hazards models to examine the association between physical performance test results and outcomes. Median 6MWT and STS results were 393 (IQR, 305-455) m and 17 (IQR, 12-21) repetitions, respectively. Clinical characteristics and Estimated Post-Transplant Survival scores accounted for only 14% to 21% of the variance in 6MWT/STS results. Physical performance test results were associated with adverse waitlist outcomes (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] of 1.42 [95% CI, 1.30-1.56] per 50-m lower 6MWT test result and 1.53 [95% CI, 1.33-1.75] per 5-repetition lower STS test result) and with transplantation (adjusted sHR of 0.80 [95% CI, 0.72-0.88] per 50-m lower 6MWT test result and 0.80 [95% CI, 0.71-0.89] per 5-repetition lower STS test result). Addition of either STS or 6MWT to survival models containing clinical characteristics enhanced fit (likelihood ratio test P<0.001). Single-center observational study. Other measures of global health status (eg, Fried Frailty Index or Short Physical Performance Battery) were not examined. Among waitlisted kidney transplant candidates with high kidney allocation scores, standardized and easily performed physical performance test results are associated with waitlist outcomes and contain information beyond what is currently routinely collected in clinical practice.

Measurement System for Unsupervised Standardized Assessment of Timed "Up & Go" and Five Times Sit to Stand Test in the Community-A Validity Study.

Comprehensive and repetitive assessments are needed to detect physical changes in an older population to prevent functional decline at the earliest possible stage and to initiate preventive interventions. Established instruments like the Timed “Up & Go” (TUG) Test and the Sit-to-Stand Test (SST) require a trained person (e.g., physiotherapist) to assess physical performance. More often, these tests are only applied to a selected group of persons already functionally impaired and not to those who are at potential risk of functional decline. The article introduces the Unsupervised Screening System (USS) for unsupervised self-assessments by older adults and evaluates its validity for the TUG and SST. The USS included ambient and wearable movement sensors to measure the user’s test performance. Sensor datasets of the USS’s light barriers and Inertial Measurement Units (IMU) were analyzed for 91 users aged 73 to 89 years compared to conventional stopwatch measurement. A significant correlation coefficient of 0.89 for the TUG test and of 0.73 for the SST were confirmed among USS’s light barriers. Correspondingly, for the inertial data-based measures, a high and significant correlation of 0.78 for the TUG test and of 0.87 for SST were also found. The USS was a validated and reliable tool to assess TUG and SST.

Exercise program combined with electrophysical modalities in subjects with knee osteoarthritis: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BackgroundIt is not yet clear which of the various electrophysical modalities used in clinical practice is the one that contributes most positively when added to an exercise program in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of the present study was to analyze the clinical effects of the inclusion of interferential current therapy (ICT), shortwave diathermy therapy (SDT) and photobiomodulation (PHOTO) into an exercise program in patients with knee OA.MethodsThis prospective, five-arm, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was carried out with blinded participants and examiners. We recruited 100 volunteers aged 40 to 80 years with knee OA. Participants were allocated into five groups: exercise, exercise + placebo, exercise + ICT, exercise + SDT, and exercise + PHOTO. The outcome measures included Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC), numerical rating pain scale (NRPS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), self-perceived fatigue and sit-to-stand test (STST), which were evaluated before and after 24 treatment sessions at a frequency of three sessions per week.ResultsIn all groups, there was a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in all variables over time, except pressure pain threshold. We observed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the groups for WOMAC function (exercise vs. exercise + placebo, mean difference [MD] = 5.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.63 to 7.46; exercise vs. exercise + ICT, MD = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.46 to 5.33; exercise vs. exercise + SDT, MD = 4.75, 95% CI = 1.85 to 7.64; exercise vs. exercise + PHOTO, MD = 5.45, 95% CI = 3.12 to 7.77) and WOMAC pain, with better scores achieved by the exercise group. However, these differences were not clinically relevant when considering the minimum clinically important difference.ConclusionThe addition of ICT, SDT or PHOTO into an exercise program for individuals with knee OA is not superior to exercise performed in isolation in terms of clinical benefit. clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02636764, registered on March 29, 2014.

A Comparison of Four Approaches to Evaluate the Sit-to-Stand Movement.

The sit-to-stand test (STS) is a simple test of function in older people that can identify people at risk of falls. The aim of this study was to develop two novel methods of evaluating performance in the STS using a low-cost RGB camera and another an instrumented chair containing load cells in the seat of the chair to detect center of pressure movements and ground reaction forces. The two systems were compared to a Kinect and a force plate. Twenty-one younger subjects were tested when performing two 5STS movements at self-selected slow and normal speeds while 16 older fallers were tested when performing one 5STS at a self-selected pace. All methods had acceptable limits of agreement with an expert for total STS time for younger subjects and older fallers, with smaller errors observed for the chair (-0.18 ± 0.17 s) and force plate (-0.19 ± 0.79 s) than for the RGB camera (-0.30 ± 0.51 s) and the Kinect (-0.38 ± 0.50 s) for older fallers. The chair had the smallest limits of agreement compared to the expert for both younger and older participants. The new device was also able to estimate movement velocity, which could be used to estimate muscle power during the STS movement. Subsequent studies will test the device against opto-electronic systems, incorporate additional sensors, and then develop predictive equations for measures of physical function.

The Utility of the Sit-to-Stand Test for Inpatients in the Acute Hospital Setting After Lung Transplantation.

Measurement of physical function is important to guide physical therapy for patients post-lung transplantation (LTx). The Sit-to-Stand (STS) test has proven utility in chronic disease, but psychometric properties post-LTx are unknown. The study aimed to assess reliability, validity, responsiveness, and feasibility of the 60-second STS post-LTx. This was a measurement study in 62 inpatients post-LTx (31 acute postoperative; 31 medical readmissions). Interrater reliability was assessed with 2 STS tests undertaken by different assessors at baseline. Known group validity was assessed by comparing STS repetitions in postoperative and medical groups. Content validity was assessed using comparisons to knee extensor and grip strength, measured with hand-held dynamometry. Criterion validity was assessed by comparison of STS repetitions and 6-minute walk distance postoperatively. Responsiveness was assessed using effect sizes over inpatient admission. Median (interquartile range) age was 62 (56-67) years; time post-LTx was 5 (5-7) days postoperative and 696 (244-1849) days for medical readmissions. Interrater reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient type 2,1 = 0.96), with a mean learning effect of 2 repetitions. Repetitions were greater for medical at baseline (mean 18 vs 8). More STS repetitions were associated with greater knee extensor strength (postoperative r=0.57; medical r=0.47) and 6-minute walk distance (postoperative r=0.68). Effect sizes were 0.94 and 0.09, with a floor effect of 23% and 3% at baseline (postoperative/medical) improving to 10% at discharge. Patients incapable of attempting a STS test were excluded, reducing generalizability to critical care. Physical rehabilitation was not standardized, possibly reducing responsiveness. The 60-second STS demonstrated excellent interrater reliability and moderate validity and was responsive to change postoperatively. The 60-second STS represents a safe, feasible functional performance tool for inpatients post-LTx. Two tests should be completed at each time point.

Concurrent training after photobiomodulation in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Concurrent training after photobiomodulation in patients with knee osteoarthritis

Does manual therapy affect functional and biomechanical outcomes of a sit-to-stand task in a population with low back pain? A preliminary analysis

IntroductionManual therapy (MT) hypothetically affects discrepant neuromuscular control and movement observed in populations with low back pain (LBP). Previous studies have demonstrated the limited influence of MT on movement, predominately during range of motion (ROM) testing. It remains unclear if MT affects neuromuscular control in mobility-based activities of daily living (ADLs). The sit-to-stand (STS) task represents a commonly-performed ADL that is used in a variety of clinical settings to assess functional and biomechanical performance.ObjectiveTo determine whether MT affects functional performance and biomechanical performance during a STS task in a population with LBP.MethodsKinematic data were recorded from the pelvis and thorax of participants with LBP, using an optoelectronic motion capture system as they performed a STS task before and after MT from November 2011 to August 2014. MT for each participant consisted of two high-velocity low-amplitude spinal manipulations, as well as two grade IV mobilizations of the lumbar spine and pelvis targeted toward the third lumbar vertebra and sacroiliac joint in a side-lying position; the order of these treatments was randomized. Pelvis and thorax kinematic data were used to derive the time-varying lumbar angle in the sagittal plane for each STS trial. The difference between the maximum and minimum lumbar angles during the STS trial determined the sagittal ROM that was used as the biomechanical outcome. Time to complete each STS trial was used as a functional measure of performance. Pre-MT and post-MT values for the lumbar sagittal ROM and time to completion were statistically analysed using paired samples t-tests.ResultsData were obtained from 40 participants with 35 useful datasets (NRS = 3.3 ± 1.2; 32.4 ± 9.8 years; 16 females, 19 males). After MT, lumbar sagittal ROM increased by 2.7 ± 5.5 degrees (p = 0.007). Time to complete the STS test decreased by 0.4 ± 0.4 s (p < 0.001).DiscussionThese findings provide preliminary evidence that MT might influence the biomechanical and functional performance of an STS task in populations with LBP. The MT intervention in this study involved a combination of spinal manipulations and mobilizations. Future work will expand upon these data as a basis for targeted investigations on the effects of either spinal manipulation and mobilization on neuromuscular control and movement in populations with LBP.

Test-retest reliability and validity of the timed up and go test and 30-second sit to stand test in patients with pulmonary hypertension

BackgroundTimed up and go (TUG) and sit to stand (STS) tests that required less space and easier to be performed in respiratory and cardiac diseases for assessing functionality. Aim was to test the reliability of TUG and 30-second STS (30STS) tests and determine the validity of TUG and 30STS tests in patients with Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). MethodsThirty-eight patients with diagnosed PH were included. We collected TUG, 30STS, quadriceps muscle strength, physical activity level, and 6MWT. Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to determine test-retest reliability and correlations with quadriceps muscle strength, physical activity level and 6MWT for validity of the TUG and 30STS tests. ResultsThe TUG and 30STS tests were associated with age, functional class, muscle strength, physical activity and functional exercise capacity in patients with PAH (p < 0.05). 6MWT was associated with age, functional class, muscle strength, physical activity and functional exercise capacity (p < 0.05). ICC (95%) for TUG test and 30STS were 0.96 (0.93–0.98) and 0.95 (0.90–0.97), respectively. ConclusionsThe TUG and 30STS tests were reliable and valid tests for measuring physical performance in PH. This study supports using the TUG and 30STS tests as practical assessment tools in patients with PH.

Effects of Pilates and Elastic Taping on Balance and Postural Control in Early Stage Parkinson's Disease Patients: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial.

Introduction:The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Pilates training and elastic taping on balance and postural control in patients with early stage Parkinson’s Disease (PD).Method:Patients were randomly divided into Pilates, elastic taping, and control (wait list) groups. Pilates training was performed for 6 weeks, twice a week and 60 minutes per session. In elastic taping group, in addition to Pilates training, elastic taping was applied to the upper back twice a week for 6 weeks with the aim of postural correction. In order to evaluate the postural control before and after the training, Berg Balance Scale, Trunk Impairment Scale, the tests of NeuroCom Balance Master performance test device as Limits of stability (LOS), Sit-to Stand, Walk Across and Tandem Walking Tests were performed.Results:The data of 20 patients (6 male in Pilates group, 2 female and 6 male in elastic taping group, 3 female and 3 male in control group) were analyzed. Reaction times in LOS test decreased significantly and walking speed in Walk Across test increased significantly after 6 weeks in Pilates and elastic taping groups. In elastic taping group, the postural sways of Tandem Walk test were decreased significantly and, the rising index in Sit-to-Stand test increased significantly after 6 weeks (Wilcoxon Test, p<0.05).Conclusion:We believe that Pilates is a feasible rehabilitation strategy for PD, and it has a remedial effect on the dynamic balance and postural control for these patients. We also think that elastic taping could be applied for supporting the right posture.

06 Development of Indexes Derived from Lower Trunk Angular Velocity During Modify Sit-to-Stand Test in the Community Elderly

Abstract Background The sit-to-stand test (STS) is a representative motor test. In most of STS, the time taken to complete the test was used as its score, and its quality of motion has not been focused. In the present study, we measured the lower trunk angular velocity using gyro sensor during STS and computed the angular velocity-based indices (AV-index). We investigated its test-retest reliability and concurrent validity. Method Seventy-eight older people in community-dwelling were participated. Basic-health-related-information and the previous one-year fall-history were obtained by a questionnaire. As motor-function tests, One Leg Standing test (OLS), 3 minutes walking test (3MWT), Timed Up and Go test (TUG) were performed. Additionally, Modify Five-Times-STS was performed twice, the lower trunk angular velocity during the tests were measured using gyro sensor. From the obtained-signal waveforms in the sagittal plane (SP), root mean square (RMS) and coefficient of auto correlation (AC), the mean impact at sitting timing (STS impact) in Modify Five-Times-STS were computed. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for the test-retest reliability of the AV-indices. The coefficients of Pearson’s correlation were computed between AV-indices and the Five-Times-STS score, and scores of motor-function tests. Result The ICC of STS impact and RMS in SP were 0.85. The ICC of the other AV-index were lower than 0.5. The RMS in SP was significantly associated with OLS (r = 0.24), and 3MWT (r = 0.36), TUG (r = −0.32). Additionally, the STS impact was significantly associated with 3MWT (r = 0.54). Conclusions The test-retest reliability of two AV-index (STS impact and RMS in SP) is good. The concurrent validity of AV-index is partly confirmed.

Prognostic value of simple measures of physical function and muscle strength in COPD: A systematic review.

There has been an increased interest in simple measures of physical function and muscle strength that can be used in all clinical settings to assess individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and predict their prognosis. The main objective was to examine the prognostic value of simple measures of physical function and muscle strength in relation to exacerbation, hospitalization and mortality in individuals with COPD. Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane and Web of Science were searched. We included prospective observational studies that examined the prognostic value of simple performed-based tests or self-reported measures of physical function or muscle strength in relation to exacerbation, hospitalization and mortality in individuals with COPD. Seven articles met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly used tests were the handgrip strength (HGS) (n=4) and 1-min sit-to-stand (STS) (n=2). There were considerable variations in terms of characteristics of patients included, setting of recruitment, type of tests used, duration of follow-up and outcome measures of interest. The majority of the studies were classified as having "fair" or "poor" methodological quality. There is a limited number of studies examining the prognostic value of simple measures of physical function and muscle strength in relation to exacerbations, hospitalizations and mortality in individuals with COPD. To date, the HGS and 1-min STS tests are the most studied tests and seem to be suitable for prognosis purposes in individuals with COPD. However, more studies with better methodological quality are needed to confirm these findings.

Influence of pelvic inclination on sit to stand task in stroke patients

BackgroundStroke results in an impaired sit to stand (STS) task. Pelvic movements are essential in daily living activities. Few studies investigated the effect of spine and pelvis separately on functional activities in stroke patients.ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the angles of pelvic inclination (anterior and posterior pelvic tilt angles) (APT and PPT) during sitting position and during STS movement. It aimed also to determine the influence of sagittal pelvic tilt angles on STS performance in stroke patients.Patients and methodsThirty male hemi-paretic stroke patients (GI) and 15 matched healthy volunteer subjects (GII) represented the sample of this study. Stroke patients were assigned into two equal groups (group Ia and Ib). Sagittal pelvic tilt angles were measured by using the palpation meter inclinometer during sitting position and during initiation and mid of STS by using two dimensional (2D) video-based motion analysis system. Time of five repetitions STS test was used to assess the ability to perform STS task.ResultsThe results showed a significant increase of PPT angle during static sitting, a significant decrease in APT angle during initiation and mid of STS task and a significant increase in time taken for five repetitions STS test in both stroke groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionAbnormal pelvic alignment and movements affect the functional performance of stroke patients during sitting and sit to stand task.Trial registrationNCT03053154. Registered January 22, 2017. Retrospectively registered.

On the role of ageing and musculoskeletal pain on dynamic balance in manual workers

The purpose of this study was to explore the interacting effects of age and musculoskeletal pain on balance in manual workers. Ninety male manual workers aged 51–72 yr were recruited and stratified according to lower extremity musculoskeletal pain intensity (pain/no pain) and work status (working/retired). The five-repetition sit-to-stand (STS) test was used to assess lower extremity function including completion time, stand time, sit time and dynamic rate of force development both in the upwards (RFDup) and downwards moving phase (RFDdown). Dynamic balance was expressed as the range, velocity, standard deviation (SD), maximum Lyapunov Exponent and sample entropy of centre of pressure displacement in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral direction, as well as free moment during the STS test. Except for higher age, no marked differences were seen between working and retired participants. Both age and musculoskeletal pain were negatively associated with motor function. Age × pain interactions showed that completion time, stand time, RFDup and RFDdown were negatively associated with age for participants without pain, but positively for those with pain. Similar findings were seen for dynamic balance. These findings indicate that the effects of lower extremity musculoskeletal pain on lower extremity function and dynamic balance are age dependent.