Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of fluidity in the sit-to-walk task (STW). [Subjects] Fifteen healthy adults participated. [Methods] The normal conditions of the STW involved a self-selected speed, normal seat height (100% of knee height), and normal target location (in front of the chair). Changes in the conditions included maximum speed, different seat heights (low chair/high chair), and different target locations (right oblique/left oblique). For each condition, fluidity was assessed using the Fluidity Index (FI). The FI was calculated from the motion of the center of gravity provided by a 3-D motion capture system. [Results] The FI at maximum speed or with a high chair was significantly higher than that under normal conditions. However, there were no significant differences in the FIs between the low chair or oblique target locations and normal conditions. [Conclusion] These findings indicate that task conditions influence the fluidity in the STW performed by healthy adults. This suggests that task conditions should be considered at the time of assessment or for practicing strategy during the STW.
