Altering prosthetic alignment does not affect hip and low back joint loading during sit-to-stand in people with a transtibial amputation.

People with a transtibial amputation (TTA) have greater prevalence of low back and hip joint pain compared to the general population. Altered movement, loading patterns, and neuromuscular activation during daily tasks like sit-to-stand likely contribute to these high rates of pain. In addition, muscle activation, ground reaction forces, and trunk range of motion can be affected by prosthetic alignment during sit-to-stand. However, it is unclear how prosthetic alignment affects joint contact forces during this task. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of prosthetic alignment on hip and low-back joint loading in people with TTA during sit-to-stand. Kinematics, ground reaction forces, and muscle activity data were collected from 10 people with TTA and 10 age- and sex- matched individuals without limb loss during five self-paced sit-to-stand trials. Participants with TTA completed the sit-to-stand task with their prescribed alignment and six altered alignment conditions (±10 mm anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, and ± 20 mm short/tall). A musculoskeletal model was used to calculate hip and L4-L5 joint loading. There were no differences in hip or L4-L5 joint loading between alignments. Participants with TTA had a greater peak hip joint contact force on the intact side hip compared to the amputated side hip across all alignments. Participants with TTA had greater L4-L5 joint contact force compared to those without amputation. While prosthetic alignment did not affect joint loading during sit-to-stand, future work on additional dynamic tasks is needed to better understand the potential role of prosthetic alignment on joint loading.

Hindlimb kinematics, kinetics, and muscle dynamics during sit-to-stand and sit-to-walk transitions in emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae).

Terrestrial animals not only need to walk and run but also lie prone to rest and then stand up. Sit-to-stand (STS) and sit-to-walk (STW) transitions are vital behaviours little studied in species other than humans so far, but likely impose biomechanical constraints on limb design because they involve near-maximal excursions of limb joints that should require large length changes and force production from muscles. By integrating data from experiments into musculoskeletal simulations, we analysed joint motions, ground reaction forces, and muscle dynamics during STS and STW in a large terrestrial, bipedal, and cursorial bird: the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae, ∼30 kg). Simulation results suggest that in both STS and STW, emus operate near the functional limits (∼50 % of shortening/lengthening) of some of their hindlimb muscles, particularly in distal muscles with limited capacity for length change and leverage. Both movements involved high muscle activations (> 50 %) and force generation of the major joint extensor muscles early in the transition. STW required larger net joint moments and non-sagittal motions than STS, entailing greater demands for muscle capacity. Whilst our study involves multiple assumptions, our findings lay the groundwork for future studies to understand, for example, how tendon contributions may reduce excessive muscle demands, especially in the distal hindlimb. As the first investigation into how an avian species stands up, this study provides a foundational framework for future comparative studies investigating organismal morphofunctional specialisations and evolution, offering potential robotics and animal welfare applications.

The 1-minute sit-to-stand test to evaluate fibrotic interstitial lung disease.

INTRODUCTION: Fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a heterogeneous group of conditions. Progression criteria include clinical, imaging, and/or lung functional decline. Currently, the 6-min walk test (6MWT) is considered the gold standard for assessing exercise-induced desaturation. The 1-min sit-to-stand test (1STST) has the advantage of being easy to perform, making it feasible for use during clinical consultations. The aim of this study was to compare the 1STST with the 6MWT in patients with fibrotic ILD to detect exercise-induced desaturation. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional involved patients with fibrotic ILDs from two centers. The 6MWT and 1STST were performed with a 30-min rest period between the tests. The modified Borg scale was used to assess dyspnea and lower limb fatigue and continuous SpO2 and heart rate were monitored. Desaturation was defined as SpO2 < 90 % or decline >3 %. RESULTS: Ninety patients were included. The median walking distance in the 6MWT was 432 m and the median number of repetitions in the 1STST was 22, with a significant correlation (p < 0.001, ρ = 0.383). In addition, the minimum SpO2 and the desaturation levels recorded during the tests exhibited a moderate significant correlation (p < 0.001, ρ = 0.502 and p < 0.001, ρ = 0.537, respectively). There was a strong association between the increase in Borg score for dyspnea and a moderate association between the increase in Borg score for lower limb fatigue after both tests (p < 0.001, ρ = 0.706 and p < 0.001, ρ = 0.656, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a significant correlation between the 6MWT and the 1STST in detecting exercise-induced desaturation.

The one-minute sit-to-stand test: A practical tool for assessing functional exercise capacity in patients with COPD in routine clinical practice.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a reduced exercise capacity. Although several field tests for exercise capacity have been modified for non-standard settings, i.e. outside the hospital clinic or pulmonary rehabilitation center, their uptake remains limited. Objectives: To assess the test-retest reliability, constuct validity and responsiveness of the one-minute sit-to-stand test (1'STST) adopted in clinical practice among patients with COPD and to confirm the earlier established minimal important difference (MID) of three repetitions. Methods: Patients with COPD performed two 1'STSTs, two 6-minute walk tests (6MWT), an isometric quadriceps force (QF) measurement, a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and a seven-day physical activity (PA) measurement before and after three months of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). An Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) evaluated the agreement between two 1'STSTs. Pearson Correlation examined the association between the 1'STST and other physical measurements, and their changes following PR. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed using a 30-meter increment in the 6MWT as cut-off to identify responders. Results: The 1'STST demonstrated good reliability (Δ0.9 ± 4.0 repetitions, p = .13; ICC = 0.79). The 1'STST was moderately correlated with the 6MWT (r = 0.57, p < .0001), VO2max (r = 0.50, p = .0006) and maximal work rate (r = 0.52, p = .0003). Weak correlations were observed with QF (r = 0.33, p = .03) and step count (r = 0.38, p = .013). The 1'STST improved after PR (∆ = 3.6 ± 6.4 repetitions, p = .0013) and changes correlated moderately with changes in the 6MWT (r = 0.57, p = .002), QF (r = 0.48, p = .003) and VO2max (r = 0.41, p = .014). A cut-off of three repetitions demonstrated a 71% accuracy in identifying responders to a rehabilitation program. Conclusion: The 1'STST is a valuable alternative to evaluate exercise capacity in patients with COPD when more expensive and time-consuming tests are unavailable.

Quality of Life and Functional Independence of TheraTogs in Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Purpose: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have limited postural control and functional ability. TheraTogs was reported to improve postural stability. However, studies involving the functional ability and quality of life are limited. We aimed to investigate the effects of TheraTogs use as an orthotic garment and strapping system on the balance and functional ability of children with spastic diplegic CP and if wearing TheraTogs improves their quality of life. Patients and Methods: A total of 34 children (aged 5-8 years) with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy participated in this study. The control group received conventional physical therapy (CPT), whereas the study group received CPT in addition to wearing TheraTogs. Balance, lower limb strength, and functional abilities were examined using the Biodex balance system, 30-s chair rise test, and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-PEDI). Results: The measured parameters of postural stability significantly improved in both groups post-treatment (p<0.05). The study group showed significant improvement in balance and lower limb strength compared to the traditional physical therapy group (p < 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in functional skill mobility (0.001 and 0.01 for control and study groups respectively) and caregiver assistance mobility scores (p=0.001 and <0.001 for control and study groups respectively); however, there was no significant improvement in self-care ability with TheraTogs. The 30s sit-to-stand showed increased number of sit to stands in both groups post treatment (p=<0.001 for both groups) and the study group showed significant improvement compared to the control group (p=0.01). Conclusion: The findings in this study suggest that both conventional physical therapy and TheraTogs are beneficial in improving balance and functional ability. TheraTogs could be utilized as a useful posture orthosis to help improve the balance and functional strength of children with spastic diplegic cerebral, palsy indicating improved quality of life.

The Relation between Parameters of Physical Performance and Depression in Consecutive Hospitalized Geriatric Patients with Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND: In the geriatric population, the risk of cardiometabolic diseases is strongly influenced by comorbidities. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of depression among hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF) and to assess the relation between physical performance and depression in this population. METHODS: We included consecutive hospitalized patients with HF aged >65 years. The depression symptoms were evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the physical performance was assessed using the grip strength measurements, the Back Scratch Test, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (5 × SST), and the 6 min walk test. RESULTS: We included 206 patients (134 females and 72 males, median age 82 years (77-86) years). Altogether, 33% of participants had signs of depression. The association was found between depression severity and economic status (p = 0.001), stressful events (p = 0.005), self-reported general health status (p = 0.001), and heart failure severity assessed by the New York Heart Association class (NYHA), p = 0.003. The Back Scratch Test, the TUGT, and the 5xSST were associated with depression severity in a univariable regression analysis (ß coefficient 0.04 [95% CI 0.00-0.08], 0.20 [95% CI 0.12-0.27], 0.18 [95% CI 0.07-0.27], respectively); however, when adjusted for co-factors, the TUGT and the 5xSST (0.17 [95% CI 0.08-0.26] and 0.14 [95% CI 0.02-0.26], respectively) were significantly related to the GDS score. Grip strength and the 6 min walk test were not related to the GDS score in the univariable nor multivariable analysis. These findings were confirmed in the logistic analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated a high incidence of depression among elderly hospitalized patients with heart failure. Depression severity in older patients with HF is related to physical performance decline as assessed by the Timed Up and Go Test and the Five Times Sit to Stand Test. Grip strength and the 6 min walk test are not related to the GDS score in this population.

Cut-off values of one-minute sit-to-stand test for determining physical performance in mild-post-COVID-19 individuals.

Background: This study aims to establish cutoff values for the one-minute sit-to-stand test (1STST) to predict physical performance in mild-post- coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) individuals and to compare the 1STST with the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in assessing hemodynamic response and to explore the correlation between 1STST, 6MWT, and muscle strength, including leg and respiratory muscle strength. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 93 participants with mild post-COVID-19 symptoms was conducted. Sociodemographic and anthropometric data were collected, and pulmonary function, as well as respiratory and quadriceps muscle strength, were evaluated. Functional capacity was assessed using the 6MWT and 1STST. Additionally, hemodynamic responses, fatigue, and dyspnea were measured before and after each test. Results: The cutoff for the 1STST in mild post-COVID-19 individuals was ≥29 repetitions, with an AUC of 0.84, sensitivity of 80.52%, and specificity of 75.00%. The 1STST resulted in higher heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and dyspnea compared to the 6MWT, and showed a significant moderate correlation with the 6MWT (r = 0.532, p < 0.0001) and weak correlations with leg strength and respiratory muscle strength. Conclusion: A cutoff of less than 29 repetitions on the 1STST indicates functional impairment in mild post-COVID-19 cases, as it induces greater physiological stress than the 6MWT and correlates with muscle strength, making it crucial for rehabilitation assessment.

Dynamics of sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit motions based on the trajectory control of the centre of mass of the body: A bond graph approach.

This paper presents a bond graph model for the dynamics of sit-to-stand (SiTSt) and stand-to-sit (StTSi) motions. It is hypothesized that, for these motions, the central nervous system (CNS) controls the trajectory of the centre of mass of the body (COMB). The model comprises two identical submodels: one submodel emulates the working of the CNS, and the other represents the human body. Reference trajectories of the COMB determined through experimentation are input to the submodel representing the working of CNS, which automatically determines the required joint angle trajectories. Based on the required and actual joint angle trajectories, proportional integral derivative controllers at the joints (j-PID) provide the required joint torques to actuate the human body submodel. Simulation results show that during SiTSt or StTSi motions, the centre of mass of the human body submodel follows the commanded trajectories. The joint angle trajectories from the submodel representing the working of CNS closely follow the respective experimental joint angle trajectories. Also, for each motion, joint angles, torques and powers are presented, which agree with earlier studies. These findings provide adequate confidence in proposed hypothesis and indicate the potential of developed model for other biomechanical investigations of SiTSt and StTSi motions.

Five-Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test as Predictor of Mortality in High Risk COPD Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if adding performance on the five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5-STS) to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) high-risk criteria, proposed by the Spanish COPD guidelines (GesEPOC), affects mortality prognosis. METHODS: Observational study of COPD outpatients involved prospective follow-up for 5 years. Patients were classified based on 5-STS performance and risk criteria proposed by GesEPOC version 2021. Outcome measures were 5-year mortality timing and rate. Kaplan-Meier curves and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazard analyses, analysis of variance, and univariate and multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven patients were included. Mean age was 66±8.3 years, and 87.6% were men. Of them, 115 (83.9%) were classified as high risk, 43 (34.4%) of whom had poor performance on the 5-STS. Overall mortality at 5 years was 27% and was significantly higher in the high-risk (29.6%) compared with the low-risk (13.6%) group. Among high-risk patients, mortality at 5 years was significantly worse with poor 5-STS performance (60.5%) compared with non-poor performance (11.1%). Poor performance on the 5-STS was independently associated with increased 5-year mortality risk (HR 4.70; 95% CI: 1.96-11.27) in a model adjusted for history of heart disease and dyspnea. CONCLUSION: Among high-risk COPD patients, those with poor performance on the 5-STS have a significantly higher mortality at 5 years than those with non-poor 5-STS performance.

The effect of visual cues at different heights on sit-to-stand movements in people with and without low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Investigating movement strategies that can be utilized to avoid pain-provocation could enhance the management of low back pain episodes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of visual cues at different heights on the kinematics of sit-to-stand movements, as well as perceived difficulty and pain levels. DESIGN: Cross-over design comparing individuals with low back pain to healthy controls. METHODS: 26 asymptomatic controls and 15 individuals with chronic, recurrent low back pain performed 5 sets of 5 sit-to-stand movements. High, middle, and low visual cues were used during sets 2-4. Spinal sagittal plane range of motion, peak spinal flexion and extension angles, and trunk centre of mass velocity were obtained from kinematic data. RESULTS: The low cue led to significantly more head and lumbar spine flexion, while the high cue led to significantly more head and thoracic spine extension and increased thoracic spine range of motion. The low back pain group demonstrated a significantly lower vertical trunk centre of mass velocity than the control group during the high cue trials. There was a significant association between higher perceived difficulty scores and lower trunk centre of mass velocity for the low back pain group. Pain scores were not significantly different between cue conditions. CONCLUSION: Visual cues can be used to temporarily change the spinal kinematics of sit-to-stand movements in people with and without low back pain. This could be helpful in clinical practice to encourage more, or less, movement in specific spinal regions, and avoid pain provocation to facilitate functional rehabilitation.

Accuracy Validation of a Sensor-Based Inertial Measurement Unit and Motion Capture System for Assessment of Lower Limb Muscle Strength in Older Adults-A Novel and Convenient Measurement Approach.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to assess lower limb muscle strength in older adults during the transfer from sitting to standing (STS) using an inertial measurement unit (IMU). Muscle weakness in this population can severely impact function and independence in daily living and increase the risk of falls. By using an IMU, we quantified lower limb joint moments in the STS test to support health management and individualized rehabilitation program development for older adults. (2) Methods: This study involved 28 healthy older adults (13 males and 15 females) aged 60-70 years. The lower limb joint angles and moments estimated using the IMU were compared with a motion capture system (Mocap) (pair t-test, ICC, Spearman correlations, Bland-Altman plots) to verify the accuracy of the IMU in estimating lower limb muscle strength in the elderly. (3) Results: There was no significant difference in the lower limb joint angles and moments calculated by the two systems. Joint angles and moments were not significantly different (p > 0.05), and the accuracy and consistency of the IMU system was comparable to that of the Mocap system. For the hip, knee, and ankle joints, the ICCs for joint angles were 0.990, 0.989, and 0.885, and the ICCs for joint moments were 0.94, 0.92, and 0.89, respectively. In addition, the results of the two systems were highly correlated with each other: the r-values for hip, knee, and ankle joint angles were 0.99, 0.99, and 0.96, and the r-values for joint moments were 0.92, 0.96, and 0.85. In the present study, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the IMU system and the Mocap system in calculating lower limb joint angles and moments. (4) Conclusions: This study confirms the accuracy of the IMU in assessing lower limb muscle strength in the elderly. It provides a portable and accurate alternative for the assessment of lower limb muscle strength in the elderly.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Functional Capacity and Pulmonary Outcomes in the Hail Region: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/Objectives: COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has had a significant impact on life worldwide since its emergence in late 2019. The virus has caused a global pandemic, leading to widespread health, social, economic, and psychological effects. COVID-19 mainly affects the respiratory system. This study aimed to compare the functional capacity and pulmonary function outcomes between COVID-19 patients and individuals who have not been infected in the Hail region. Methods: Individuals of both genders above 18 years old who had been infected with COVID-19 in the previous 6 months or had never been infected were eligible to participate. Local hospitals and social media apps were used to recruit willing participants. Heart rate, pulse oxygen saturation, blood pressure, pulmonary function test, hand grip strength, and functional tests (6 min walk test, 30 s sit-to-stand test, and timed up and go test) were measured and compared between the groups. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 25. Results: Forty individuals affected with COVID-19 and forty-one healthy individuals were recruited. Our results showed that in individuals affected with COVID-19, scores on the minute ventilation, 30 s sit-to-stand, and 6 min walk tests were significantly lower than among healthy individuals. Other outcomes did not show any statistical differences between the groups. Conclusion: This study contributes to a greater understanding of the functional capacity status of individuals with COVID-19. Patients affected by COVID-19 may develop an impaired lung capacity and a decreased function capacity. These factors may negatively affect physical and cognitive health status. Future studies should evaluate the benefits of interventions with rehabilitation exercises following COVID-19. In light of the functional capacity and pulmonary function decline in individuals affected by COVID-19, interventions encompassing pulmonary and functional rehabilitation exercises are recommended to improve physical fitness and pulmonary function post-COVID-19.

[Get up, stand up! What sit-to-stand tests tell us about respiratory failure]. / Get up, stand up ! Ce que les tests de lever de chaise nous disent de l'insuffisance respiratoire.

Diseases associated with chronic respiratory failure have a negative impact on quality of life and life expectancy, notably through a reduction in patients' functional capacity. Assessing balance, coordination, muscular strength and endurance, as well as exercise tolerance, is therefore an important component of the evaluation of individuals with chronic respiratory failure. This evaluation can be made easier by using simple tools such as sit-to-stand tests. This review presents the main sit-to-stand tests that have been described and that can be used in everyday practice. The aim is to provide information to the clinician on the contribution of each test, and to identify the extent to which and the purpose for which these tests can be incorporated into a routine pulmonology and/or respiratory rehabilitation evaluation. Because of their inherently functional nature, these tests could help to identify the indications and/or the effects of respiratory rehabilitation.

Taiwanese reference values for the Short Physical Performance Battery in community-dwelling older adults.

OBJECTIVES: To establish reference values for SPPB score as well as test performances among Taiwanese community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Participants included 847 older adults. The total scores and three subtest scores for the SPPB and the registered time to complete the walk and five-repetition sit-to-stand (STS) tests were determined and compared between sex and age (65-74, 75-84, and ≥85 years) groups. RESULTS: The mean SPPB total score was 10.9 in women and 10.5 in men. SPPB scores did not differ by sex, regardless of age group. However, the walk test (p = .030) and STS test (p = .008) timings were longer for men than for women in the 65-74-year-old group. The ≥85-year-old men achieved a lower balance score than did the 65-74-year-old men (p = .027). CONCLUSIONS: Population-specific SPPB reference values contribute to assessments of physical function and facilitate cross-cultural comparisons of physical performance.

Differences in power and performance during sit-to-stand test and its relationships to functional measures in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease.

AIMS: i) to compare 30-s sit-to-stand (STS) test repetitions and power between older adults with and without Parkinson's disease (PD) and ii) to evaluate the relationship of STS repetitions and power with functional measures in older people with PD. METHODS: STS repetitions and power (Alcazar's equation) during the 30-s STS test were assessed in forty-six age- and sex-matched older adults with and without PD. Functional measures included habitual (HGS) and maximum gait speed (MGS), timed-up-and-go (TUG) test and the Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BEST). PD-specific tests were as follows: the motor subscale of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III), quality of life [Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39)], perceived freezing of gait (FOG questionnaire), and fear of falling [Falls Efficacy Scale (FES)]. T scores, repeated measures ANOVA and linear regression analyses were used. RESULTS: T scores for older adults with PD were - 2.7 ± 4.5 for STS repetitions, -5.2 ± 4.2 for absolute STS power, and - 3.1 ± 4.6 for relative STS power compared to older adults without PD. T scores for absolute STS power were lower than T scores for STS repetitions (p < 0.001) and relative STS power (p < 0.001). Both absolute and relative STS power and STS repetitions showed similar correlations with functional measures (r = 0.44 to 0.59; both p < 0.05). Relative STS power (r = -0.55; p < 0.05) and STS repetitions (r = -0.47 to -0.55; p < 0.05) but not absolute STS power were correlated to PD-specific tests. CONCLUSIONS: STS repetitions and power values estimated through the 30-s STS test were lower in older people with PD than without PD. Overall, STS power measures were similarly associated with functional performance as STS repetitions, indicating these power equations can be implemented when assessing lower extremity function in older people with PD.

Teleassessment using five times sit-to-stand test in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease: Guidelines and barriers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Assessing lower limb strength, balance, and fall risk are crucial components of rehabilitation, especially for the older adult population. With the growing interest in telehealth, teleassessment has been investigated as an alternative when in-person assessments are not possible. The Five Times Sit-to-Stand test (5TSTS) provides a quick measure of balance during chair transfers, muscle power, endurance, and the hability to change and maintain body position, and is highly recommended by guidelines. However, the literature is unclear about the viability and safety of teleassessment using the 5TSTS in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of teleassessment using the 5TSTS and to determine its feasibility and safety for older adults with and without PD. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included older adults with and without PD who were evaluated remotely through a videoconference platform. To ensure effective and comprehensive instructions for the test, we developed a guideline called OMPEPE (an acronym for: Objective; Materials; Position-Start; Execution; Position-End; Environment). We assessed the 5TSTS intra- and inter-rater reliability by comparing scores obtained from the same examiner and from different examiners, respectively. Participants and examiners completed online surveys to provide information about feasibility and safety. RESULTS: Twelve older adults with PD and 17 older adults without PD were included in this study (mean ages 69.0 and 67.6 years, respectively). Based on the participants' perspectives and the absence of adverse effects, teleassessment using the 5TSTS is feasible and safe for older adults with and without PD. Excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.90) was found for all measurements of the 5TSTS. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and reliability of teleassessment using the 5TSTS. The guidelines developed may help health professionals minimize barriers and safely conduct an online assessment that includes a physical test such as the 5TSTS in older adults with or without PD. In addition to addressing technological barriers, the OMPEPE guideline might ensure the optimal execution of evaluations. CONCLUSION: Teleassessment using the 5TSTS for older adults with and without PD is feasible and safe. Both synchronous (i.e., live) and asynchronous (i.e., recorded) online 5TSTS tests demonstrate excellent intra- and inter-rate reliability.

Effect of coaching the sit-to-stand motion and attentional focus.

[Purpose] The present study investigated whether (1) "standing up while bowing" is effective for promoting the sit-to-stand (STS) motion and (2) whether this coaching promotes internal focus. [Participants and Methods] The participants included 17 healthy adults who performed the 30-s chair stand test with two sets of verbal instructions. The verbal instructions were as follows: "Please stand up as many times as possible for 30 s" (control condition) and "Please stand up while bowing as many times as possible for 30 s" (bowing condition). The participants performed the tests successively under the two conditions. In the 30-s chair stand test, a three-axis accelerometer was attached to the participants and the sagittal STS motion was filmed using a video camera. After the 30-s chair stand test, we used the modified Movement-Specific Reinvestment Scale (MSRS) to evaluate attentional focus. Differences in the measurements were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test or paired t-test for each condition. [Results] Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the CS-30 count, time from sitting to standing, time from sitting to lift-off, time from lift-off to standing, and the trunk tilt angle on lift-off. Regarding the questionnaire, Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the MSRS and "conscious motor processing". [Conclusion] These results suggest that "standing up while bowing" has limited effectiveness in promoting the STS motion because the coaching promotes internal focus.

The 1-min sit-to-stand test as a screening tool to assess exercise-induced oxygen desaturation in normoxemic people with interstitial lung disease.

BACKGROUND: In patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), exercise-induced desaturation during the 6-min walk test (6MWT), specifically nadir oxygen saturation (nSpO2) of ≤88 % is a negative prognostic marker. As the 6MWT is often impractical for ILD patients, the aim of this study is to compare the 1-min sit-to-stand test (1minSTS) with the 6MWT to detect exercise-induced desaturation. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a tertiary referral clinic with both tests performed on the same day. Utilising Bland-Altman analysis, the relationship between nSpO2 on 1minSTS and 6MWT was determined. An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) determined the ability of nSpO2 on 1minSTS test to predict SpO2 ≤88 % on 6MWT. RESULTS: Fifty participants completed the study (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis n = 24, 48 %; connective tissue disease associated ILD n = 20, 40 %; other ILD n = 6, 12 %). Mean (SD) FVC%pred was 73 ± 16 %, mean DLCO%pred 57 ± 16 % and resting SpO2 99 ± 1 %. The 1minSTS resulted in less exercise-induced oxygen desaturation, with a median IQR nSpO2 of 95 % (89-98) and 93 % (85-96) respectively (p < 0.001). Moderate agreement was determined between the nSpO2 on both tests, with a mean difference of 3.2 % [-14 to +3.0 %]. The 1minSTS test accurately identified participants with nSpO2 ≤88 % on 6MWT (AUC 0.96). Oxygen desaturation ≤94 % during the 1minSTS test provided 100 % sensitivity and 87 % specificity for oxygen desaturation ≤88 % at 6MWT. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that exercise-induced oxygen desaturation during the 1minSTS test correlates with oxygen desaturation on 6MWT. The 1minSTS may be a practical screening tool for ILD patients who would benefit from further exercise testing.

Bioelectrical impedance phase angle combined with physical function predicts pre-frailty in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of pre-frailty is notably high among maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Pre-frailty, an early and reversible condition between non-frailty and frailty, can lead to adverse outcomes such as increased unplanned hospital admissions and a higher risk of other chronic diseases. Early identification and intervention of pre-frailty in MHD patients are crucial. This study aimed to establish a simple and effective model for screening and identifying MHD patients at high risk of pre-frailty by using 50 kHz-Whole Body Phase Angle (PhA) measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), hand grip strength (HGS), the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), and laboratory parameters, with a specific focus on gender differences. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2023 at the Wenjiang Hemodialysis Center in the Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China. A total of 244 MHD patients, including 130 males and 114 females, were enrolled, comprising 128 non-frail and 116 pre-frail individuals. Data were collected prospectively, including demographic information, physical measurements, and laboratory test results. All participants provided informed consent before enrollment. The FRAIL scale (FS) was used to assess pre-frailty in MHD patients. Grip strength was measured using an electronic grip strength tester, physical function was assessed using the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, and whole-body phase angle was measured using the InBody S10 device. RESULTS: A total of 244 MHD patients with a mean age of 53.75 ± 0.90 years were enrolled, including 130 males with a mean age of 54.12 ± 1.26 years and 114 females with a mean age of 53.32 ± 1.29 years. ROC curve analysis showed that in male patients, the AUC of PhA for predicting pre-frailty was 0.919, with a sensitivity of 94.5% and specificity of 91.3%, and a cutoff value of 6.05°; in female patients, the AUC of PhA was 0.870, with a sensitivity of 70.5% and specificity of 90.6%, and a cutoff value of 5.25°. The AUC of FTSST for screening pre-frailty in male patients was 0.827, with a sensitivity of 62.3% and specificity of 96.2%, and a cutoff value of 12.95 s; in female patients, the AUC of FTSST was 0.784, with a sensitivity of 67.3% and specificity of 84.0%, and a cutoff value of 12.95 s. Additionally, in male patients, the combination of PhA and FTSST resulted in an AUC of 0.930, with a sensitivity of 96.4% and specificity of 81.3%; in female patients, the AUC was 0.911, with a sensitivity of 78.7% and specificity of 92.5%. CONCLUSION: PhA measured by BIA, in combination with the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test, serves as an effective screening tool and predictor of pre-frailty in MHD patients. The combination of PhA and FTSST shows enhanced diagnostic value in female patients, while PhA alone is sufficient for predicting pre-frailty in male patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051111), registered on 2021-09-13.