Importance of independent sit-to-stand ability in ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury.

BACKGROUND: Sit-to-stand (STS) is an important and basic activity for daily living. However, a few studies have reported information relating to STS ability in ambulatory patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

AIM: To investigate factors associated with the ability of independent sit-to-stand (iSTS) among ambulatory patients with SCI.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study.

SETTING: Inpatient tertiary rehabilitation center and communities.

POPULATION: Ambulatory patients with SCI.

METHODS: Sixty-nine independent ambulatory individuals with SCI who walked with or without a walking device were cross-sectionally interviewed and assessed for their demographics, SCI characteristics, iSTS ability (pass or fail), types of walking device used, balance ability, and lower limb support capability during STS.

RESULTS: Forty-six subjects (67%) successfully performed iSTS ability (pass). The ability of iSTS was significantly associated with lower extremity muscle strength, lower limb support ability, balance control, and ability of walking with a single cane and without a walking device (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS: The ability of iSTS is important for ambulatory patients with SCI as it related to ability of walking with minimal use of the upper extremities. Other significant associated factors provided important clue to promote ability of iSTS.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: The findings imply the use of iSTS ability as a simple and practical screening or monitoring tool for the ability of walking at least with a single cane. The improvement of lower extremity muscle strength, lower limb support ability, and balance control could improve iSTS ability of these individuals.