Analysis of muscle synergy and kinematics in sit-to-stand motion of hemiplegic patients in subacute period

Abstract

Patients with stroke experience declined physical functions and aim to recover by rehabilitation. It is important to improve their functions in the subacute period. Hemiplegic patients who can stand exhibit differing characteristics such as the center of mass and muscle synergy compared to healthy subjects. However, the characteristics to be achieved by the sit-to-stand motion in the subacute period is unknown. This study investigated the sit-to-stand motions of hemiplegic patients (n = 21) in three months of stroke onset. The patients were partitioned into two groups (‘mild’ and ‘severe’), based on the functional independence score at the time of discharge, and the patient's sit-to-stand motion in the subacute period was analyzed by muscle synergy and kinematics. The severe patients performed a biased standing on the non-paralyzed side, and the activation timing of muscle synergy that contributes to whole-body extension was earlier than that of the mild patients. This study contributes to the development of guidelines for optimal intervention for each patient.