Comparison of range of motion during movement from supine to sitting position in healthy young and elderly participants

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to compare the range of motion (ROM) during supine-to-sitting position (StSP) movement between healthy young and elderly participants to understand age-related tendencies, which is beneficial for the assessment and treatment of frail elderly. [Participants and Methods] The participants were 14 healthy young males (age, 19–24 years) and 16 healthy elderly individuals (8 males and 8 females; age, 65–74 years). Rising movement was performed 5 times freely at a comfortable speed. [Results] The joint angles during StSP movements in right shoulder abduction, extension of both shoulder joints, right elbow flexion, trunk extension, and adduction of both hip joints were significantly larger, whereas neck flexion, trunk flexion, and left hip joint abduction were significantly smaller in the healthy elderly participants than in the healthy young participants. All joint movements were earlier in the elderly participants than in the healthy young participants. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that focusing on how to use both upper limbs is important, in addition to the neck and trunk, when evaluating StSP movement. Similarly, to encourage independence during StSP movement, the elbow extensors must be strengthened.