Understanding stand-to-sit maneuver: Implications for motor system neuroprostheses after paralysis

This study examines how people with and without spinal cord injuries perform the stand-to-sit (STS) maneuver. It focuses on the challenges of controlling the lowering of the body when sitting down, especially for those using neuroprostheses. The research highlights that individuals with spinal cord injuries who use neuroprostheses rely more on their upper limbs during the STS, leading to higher impact forces when they sit. This increased reliance can pose risks to their upper body. The findings suggest a need for improved neuroprosthetic systems that can better control the descent during sitting, reducing impact and promoting a smoother, more natural movement to minimize the potential for injuries.

• 1
  Neuroprosthesis users relied heavily on their upper limbs during STS, with peak supporting forces approximately 25% body weight.
• 2
  SCI subjects exhibited an average vertical acceleration at the impact six times higher than that of the nondisabled subjects (p < 0.001).
• 3
  Sitting with stimulation resulted in impact forces at initial contact with the seating surface averaging 1.4 times body weight.