Relationships between ground reaction force parameters during a sit-to-stand movement and physical activity and falling risk of the elderly and a comparison of the movement characteristics between the young and the elderly

This study aimed to examine the relationships between ground reaction force during a sit-to-stand (STS) movement and physical activity and falling risk of the elderly and the difference of the movement characteristics between the young and the elderly. Sixty elderly females who can achieve a STS movement by themselves and 30 healthy young females were measured for ground reaction force during STS movement from a chair, adjusted for lower leg length height. The elderly's physical activity and falling risk were also assessed. Physical activity and falling risk significantly correlated with parameters on force exertion during hip lift-off and knee–hip joint extension phases (|r| = 0.26–0.41). Significant differences were found in ground reaction force parameters of all phases between the young and the elderly and STS movement of the elderly was suggested to result in poor force exertion and slowing down. The above tendency was noticeable in the hip lift-off and knee–hip joint extension phases. In conclusion, force exertion in hip lift-off and knee–hip joint extension phases of STS movement is related to physical activity and falling risk in the elderly. These phases may be useful to evaluate the elderly's physical activity and falling risk.