Sit to Stand Protocol in Long Term Care to Support and Maintain Stroke Recovery

Abstract

This study examined if practicing sit to stand (STS) with stroke survivors (12 women (M age = 78) and 14 men (M age = 77)) over 12 weeks, as part of daily clinical practice, would improve STS performance, have positive effects on functional independence and perceived quality of life. Results showed significant improvement of STS independence (p < .001) reflected in the improved score on the STS item of the Motor Assessment Scale and significant improvement in the length of time to perform STS (p = .01) reflected in the improved score on the Five Repetition STS Test. The STS intervention was not related to any improvement of functional independence (p = .58) as measured by the Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index or perceived quality of life (p = .50). Results of this study suggest repetitive practice of STS by usual caregivers may be beneficial at improving or maintaining STS performance.