ABSTRACT:We hypothesized that the stability and a larger stability area of the center of gravity in a single elbow support position are the factors that determine the ability of sitting up by way of a single elbow support position in patients with hemiparesis. The purpose of this study was to confirm this hypothesis. The locus of the center of pressure (COP) in a single elbow support position under the two conditions and sitting up time were measured in 17 patients with hemiparesis after stroke, and relations among these parameters were examined. Two conditions for measurements of COP were that subjects maintained a static position (static condition), and they moved their upper body to two directions (anterior and posterior)(dynamic condition). The sitting up time was the performance time from supine to long sitting by way of a single elbow support position. As a result, no correlation was observed between the static and dynamic conditions. The sitting up time was found to correlate significantly with the length of trajectory (LNG) of COP under the dynamic condition. It was indicated that patients with hemiparesis could sit up smoothly if dynamic stable area in a single elbow support position was larger, and that training to extend the dynamic stable area should be included in physical therapy.

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