Relationship between Biomechanics of Sit-to-Walk Motion and Physical Functions or Fall Experiences of Elderly People Living at Home.

Sit-to-walk (STW) motion is a series of motions in which subjects stand up from chair and initiate gait. We researched the relationships between the STW motion and the muscle strength of the knee (extension / flexion), balance tests, and fall experiences of elderly people living at home. The subjects were 18 men (mean age 73.9 ±5.3 years). The subjects were instructed to perform STW motion as fast as possible. Balance tests were evaluated with the Timed Up and Go test (TUG test), functional reach test, and maximal step length. In the results, some relationships were confirmed between the biomechanical characteristics of STW and muscle strength or balance tests. Subjects who spent longer performing the TUG test and who had fall experiences rose until they were standing almost upright before initiating gait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]