Ability of sit-to-stand with hands reflects neurological and functional impairments in ambulatory individuals with spinal cord injury

Study design A cross-sectional study. Objectives To explore the need of upper limb contribution during sit-to-stand (STS) in ambulatory participants with spinal cord injury (SCI) and compare the lower limb loading during the sit-to-stand (LLL-STS) in those with SCI who performed the task with or without hands as compared to able-bodied individuals. In addition, the study assessed the correlation between the LLL-STS, and sensorimotor scores and functional ability in ambulatory participants with SCI. Setting A tertiary rehabilitation center and community hospitals, Thailand. Methods Forty-three participants with SCI who could perform STS with or without hands, and 10 able-bodied individuals were interviewed and assessed for their demographics, STS, and LLL-STS ability. Moreover, participants with SCI were assessed for SCI characteristics, sensorimotor scores, and functional ability relating to independent walking. Results More than half of participants with SCI (58%) performed STS using hands. Their LLL-STS, sensorimotor, and functional ability were significantly lower than those with SCI who performed the task without hands. The LLL-STS of participants with SCI, particularly amount, was significantly associated with their sensorimotor scores and functional ability (P < 0.05). Conclusions The findings indicated that those with marked lower limb muscle weakness and sensory impairments used their hands during STS. As such, the use of the hands during STS can be used as an indicator of neurological and functional impairments in ambulatory individuals with SCI.