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

Grab-bars and transfer poles are common sit-to-stand aids for older adults with mobility limitations. This study investigates differences in kinematics and kinetics in the lower limbs across different transfer pole configurations and positions. Configurations tested are a single pole, two poles and...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Vena, Daniel
Other Authors: Fernie, Geoff
Language:en_ca
Published: 2013
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/1807/35699
Description
Summary:Grab-bars and transfer poles are common sit-to-stand aids for older adults with mobility limitations. This study investigates differences in kinematics and kinetics in the lower limbs across different transfer pole configurations and positions. Configurations tested are a single pole, two poles and a pole with a horizontal grab-bar at near and far positions. Three-dimensional biomechanics were used to calculate kinetics and kinematics of the lower extremities. Forces were also recorded from the pole. This study found horizontal pole forces were an effective replacement for trunk generated horizontal momentum. Reduced vertical pole forces were applied by participants using the `far' poles which resulted in increases in non-dominant hip moments when using the single and double pole configurations. Horizontal pole use introduced non-dominant directed lateral COM trajectory throughout the movement. This coincided with increased horizontal forces in the dominant foot to balance moments about COM in the transverse plane as a motor control strategy.