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Measuring power during the sit-to-stand transfer.
Ulrich Lindemann1, Holger Claus, Michael Stuber
1Bethesda Geriatric Hospital Ulm, Academic Centre at the University of Ulm, Zollernring 26, 89073 Ulm, Germany. ulrich.lindemann@medizin.uni-ulm.de
European Journal of Applied Physiology
|April 25, 2003
Summary
A new portable method accurately measures power during sit-to-stand transfers, correlating well with established tests. This inexpensive tool may detect frailty earlier than functional assessments, aiding clinical practice and home-bound individuals.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Biomechanics
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Muscle power is an early indicator of frailty.
- Current power measurements are often localized, non-portable, and not body-weight adjusted.
- Assessing power in daily activities is crucial for understanding functional decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a portable method for measuring power during the sit-to-stand (STS) transfer.
- To compare this novel STS power measurement with established isokinetic force and functional performance tests.
- To assess the potential of the STS power measure for early frailty detection.
Main Methods:
- A portable device measured mean power during STS transfers using vertical ground reaction force, height change, and time.
- Power measurements were compared against an isokinetic dynamometer (Nottingham power rig) and a five-repetition chair rise (5-CR) test.
- 33 healthy elderly participants (mean age 67.8 years) were recruited.
Main Results:
- The STS power measurement showed good correlation with the isokinetic force measurement (r=0.68) and the Nottingham power rig (r=0.6).
- Correlation with the five-chair rise test was poor (r=-0.08).
- The developed method is inexpensive and portable.
Conclusions:
- The portable STS power measurement effectively quantifies power during a daily functional task.
- The poor correlation with the 5-CR suggests this method may identify muscle function decline earlier than functional status measures.
- The portability and low cost make this method feasible for clinical and research settings, including remote or home-bound individuals.