The Evaluation of Vertical Pole Configuration and Location on Assisting the Sit-to-Stand Movement in Older Adults with Mobility Limitations

Abstract

Grab-bars and transfer poles are common sit-to-stand aids for mobility limited older adults. This study investigated differences in kinetics and kinematics to characterize the lower-limb strength and dynamic balance requirements across different pole configurations and positions in nine mobility limited older adults. Poles were varied by location (near and far) and configuration (single vertical pole, double vertical poles, vertical pole with a horizontal bar). Results indicated that the far pole condition resulted in increased trunk (p < 0.001) and hip flexion (p < 0.01 and < 0.0001 for contralateral and ipsilateral sides, respectively), and a reduced peak vertical force applied to the pole (p < 0.001). Peak extension moments at the hip and knee were unchanged, and, therefore, pole position had no effect on task demands. Placing the pole unilaterally introduced a small kinetic asymmetry, which significantly increased peak knee extension moments on the ipsilateral side (p < 0.05). Finally, dynamic balance was relatively unchanged across pole conditions. These findings offer novel insight into pole use and the effect of varying pole location and configuration in a sample of older adults with mobility impairment, and provide the basis for future work.

Keywords:

• aging
• grab-bar
• mobility
• sit-to-stand

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the support of Toronto Rehabilitation Institute-UHN and the Ontario Government. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Government. Funding is provided in part by partnerships with Andrew J Hart Enterprises Ltd, ArjoHuntleigh, Quanser Consulting Inc., IBM Canada Ltd, Otto Bock HealthCare Canada, Prism Medical Ltd, Saint Elizabeth Health Care, Shoppers Home Health Care and Tollos Inc. The Toronto Central CCAC is a collaborator on this project. Equipment and space were funded by grants from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, Ontario Innovation Trust and the Ministry of Research and Innovation.