A Review on Sit-To-Walk Biomechanics for Healthy Young and Older Adults

Abstract

Sit-to-walk (STW) is a critical activity of daily living, yet literature mainly focuses on sit-to-stand (SiSt). Normally, during locomotion, gait takes place immediately after standing making STW functionally significant, with SiSt being a subset of the overall STW motion. There is a growing body of literature on STW kinematic and kinetic biomechanics. Hence, the objective of this review was to summarize the major findings on STW biomechanics for healthy young and older adults. The major findings include the STW movement phases, primary muscles involved, strategies and determinants. An understanding of STW would assist the design of assistive devices, treatment plans and interventions for older adults or individuals with movement impairments. This would increase the efficiency and applicability of interventions, while improving mobility, independence and reducing fall risk. Yet, further research on STW biomechanics, specifically for older adults and failed STW transitions are still lacking.