The Walailak Journal of Science and Technology

Sairag SA-ADPRAI, Bunyong RUNGROUNGDOUYBOON, "The Design and Development of Sit to Stand Trainer for the Elderly", Volume 17, Number 8, August 2020, p760-775

Abstract
            Strengthening exercise for lower limbs is required in elderly. Repeated sit to stands could improve lower limbs strength, reduce limitations, and fall. The researchers developed a Sit to Stand Trainer, a device that assists and offers variable levels of weight support for users to stand. It was validated by comparing the kinematics and the kinetics between 2 experimental conditions; the movement that was assisted by Sit to Stand Trainer (STST) and the natural movement that was unassisted by Sit to Stand Trainer (No STST). This study is an Experimental Design using Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The time span of the observed movement was 2.5 s for all trials. The results in kinematics showed significant similarity in trunk, hip, knee, ankle angles and angular velocities including speed and distance of head between No STST to STST (P = 0.000). However, in kinetics, the maximum of vGRFs showed significant decrease in STST compared to No STST (P = 0.000). This represent that this device produces natural movement and speed. It also supports and helps to reduce the body weight that contacted to the ground in order to stand up easier. Thus, therapists could possibly consider this device for training in clinical practice. This research was studied within 6 weeks into training with Sit to Stand Trainer. This part of the study is a Quasi-Experimental Designs using Paired Samples T-tests. The results of the T-tests were compared before and after the training. The results showed a significant improvement in physical outcomes measurement tests; Berg Balance Scale (P = 0.000), 30-second Chair Stand (P = 0.001) and 4-meter Gait Speed (P = 0.000) among the elderly.