Arm support as hidden assistance during Sit-To-Stand movement: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Science
• Biomechanics
• Clinical Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Sit-To-Stand (SitTS) is a fundamental functional movement crucial for daily living.
• Many individuals with physical impairments require arm assistance to successfully perform SitTS.
• Understanding the role of arm support in SitTS is vital for optimizing rehabilitation strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize outcome measures from arm-assisted SitTS exercise programs in individuals with physical impairments.
• To examine the contribution and clinical significance of arm use during the SitTS maneuver.
• To identify effective assessment methods for arm-assisted SitTS.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted using Web of Science and Scopus databases.
• Studies were screened based on key terms related to SitTS activity and arm support.
• 47 studies reporting arm support measures in clinical or biomechanical contexts were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Various methods and tools were reported for assessing the body during arm-assisted SitTS.
• Joint angle and SitTS duration were identified as clinically applicable and easily measurable outcomes.
• Measures like seat, foot, and arm forces require specialized instrumentation, making them less accessible.

Conclusions:

• A balance between clinical measures (joint angle, SitTS duration) and biomechanical assessments is crucial.
• This integrated approach can enhance the evaluation and improvement of arm-assisted SitTS interventions.
• Optimizing SitTS interventions with arm assistance can lead to better rehabilitation outcomes for patients.