PURPOSE: Many elderly stroke survivors have difficulty standing up from a seated position. We sought in this study, therefore, to: (1) evaluate whether extra practice increases the likelihood of gaining independence in sit-to-stand (STS); (2) determine the number of repetitions required to achieve a safe, independent STS; (3) assess whether extra STS practice leads to greater patient satisfaction with their general health status and quality of life; and (4) evaluate whether extra STS practice results in fewer falls. METHODS: Eligible rehabilitation participants were randomly assigned to a conventional or an extra STS practice group. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, time post-stroke, length of stay, duration in study, and motor deficits between the two groups. The difference in the mean daily STS repetitions was significant, 10.6 (inter-quartile range 8.1 to 16.5) for the conventional group versus 14.9 (range 12.2 to 20.1) for the extra practice group, p = 0.03. Sensitivity and specificity were high for the range of mean daily STS repetitions (11.0 to 13.5). Extra STS practice resulted in 17 out of 25 stroke survivors (versus 7/23 in the conventional group) standing up safely and consistently from a 16-inch surface without using their hands (p = 0.02). Although extra STS practice did not result in fewer falls, those stroke survivors who were able to stand independently expressed greater satisfaction with their quality of life (p = 0.02) and physical mobility (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: This study supports the importance of repetitive practice in improving STS performance.

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