A METHODOLOGY TO ASSESS THE UPPER EXTREMITY STRENGTH IN A CHAIR EGRESS POSTURE

In this paper a method is presented which can be used to analyse the f orce distribution resulting from the application of force on the left and right armrests of a chair during the action of sitting down or sta nding up. The peak data for both hands can be combined to obtain the m aximum for a trial on a specific chair configuration. This method is u seful to assess the upper extremity limitations of an elderly or disab led population when rising from a seated position. The method involved the instrumentation, with strain gauges, of armrests of a prototype l ounge chair obtained from a manufacturer of seating for the elderly. P rovision for hand placement was included and the system was appropriat ely calibrated. The methodology presented may have a variety of applic ations, such as the assessment of seating requirements for the elderly or disabled, and the relative evaluation of a range of seats for nurs ing homes, clinics, hospitals and rehabilitation or recreational loung es.