One of the most frequent and important activities of daily living involves standing up and sitting down on a chair. For many, this is a task that becomes increasingly difficult over time. Most individuals who have trouble getting up from a seated position often feel embarrassed and fearful of going out in public, resulting in spending more and more time alone at home.

 

There are many reasons why you may have trouble with standing up from a chair as it requires strength from the muscles in the legs, hips, glutes, and core. Conditions that affect lower limb strength include but are not limited to; osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, and aging.

 

More than half of those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease have difficulty getting up from a chair.

 

Tips and tricks from an Exercise Physiologist to make getting up from a chair a little easier:

·  If the chair has arm rests, use them for support.

·  If you have been sitting for a long period of time, straighten your legs out (one at a time) for a few seconds to promote blood flow back to the legs.

·  Slide forward in the seat so your weight is distributed at the edge of the seat, not in the middle.

·  If the chair does not have arm rests and you need extra support, hold on to the edge of the seat (to the outside of each leg) after sliding forwards or place your hands on your knees.

·  Lean forward slightly to allow for a shift in body weight. You should be looking at your toes.

 

I’m still finding it hard standing up from a chair, what can I do?

Book an appointment with an Exercise Physiologist. An Exercise Physiologist is a university qualified allied professional who has experience in treating a wide range of medical conditions. They will be able to help you with an exercise-based approach to make you stronger to assist with activities of daily living, including sitting down and standing up, along with other goals and concerns you may have.