Rising to stand from a chair: symmetry, and frontal and transverse plane kinematics and kinetics

Although literature in relation to rising to stand from a chair is extensive, there is limited information on symmetry and motion in the frontal and transverse planes. Ground reaction forces (GRF), lower limb angular displacements and moments, and the thoracolumbar and cervicothoracic spine regions angular displacements around the vertical and antero-posterior axes (respectively, the transverse and frontal planes) were investigated in 12 females. Right to left symmetry and the trial-to-trial consistency of all variables was also investigated. Able-bodied participants demonstrated frontal and transverse plane displacement and moments in the lower limbs and the trunk, and mediolateral GRFs, during rising to stand from a chair. The results of this study also support the concept of a consistent individual strategy for frontal plane motion during rising to stand and highlight the strategies used to maintain side-to-side stability during the motion. The potential importance of this was reflected in the similar magnitudes of the GRFs required to stabilise the median plane orientation of the centre of mass and that required for the forward propulsion of the body. Asymmetrical net applied moments support the concept of side dominance in components of apparently symmetrical motor tasks.