Relationship between Movement Patterns and Physical Fitness Elements during Rising from the Supine to Sitting Position in Community-Dwelling Elderly Persons

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to clarify the effects of physical fitness elements on rising from the supine to sitting position in the elderly. Subjects were 18 elderly persons (12 men and 6 women) who lived at home. Rising from the supine to sitting position was analyzed by measuring the amount of time required for rising and observing body movements. Dynamic balance was assessed by measuring maximum forward and lateral reach of the arm in the sitting position. Trunk muscle strength was also assessed by measuring trunk bending by while sitting in a chair. Furthermore, flexibility was assessed by measuring finger-floor distance (FFD) while standing on the feet and bending the upper body forward. The average minimal rising time was 2.7 ± 0.9 seconds. There were two distinctive movement patterns for rising, and the results of one-way ANOVA showed that FFD was the only significant principal effect. Multiple regression analysis of the relationship of minimal rising time to maximum lateral reach and maximum trunk muscle strength showed a determination coefficient of r2=0.795 (p<0.01). The results of the present study indicate that flexibility affects movement patterns, and that lateral reach and trunk muscle strength are the determination factors for the amount of time required for rising from the supine to sitting position.