How to Perform the Exercise
Setup: Fit the patient into the Solo-Step harness and connect the lanyard to the trolley on the overhead track. Position a sturdy chair, treatment plinth, or therapy bench directly beneath or near the track. Adjust the lanyard length so that the system can provide immediate support if the patient loses balance during the transition, without restricting the natural upward movement of standing.
Starting Position: Have the patient sit toward the front edge of the seat with feet flat on the floor, approximately hip-width apart. The patient’s feet should be positioned slightly behind the knees. Instruct the patient to place their hands on their thighs or lightly grip an assistive device if needed. Encourage them to sit tall and take a breath before initiating the movement.
The Exercise
- Cue the patient to lean their trunk slightly forward, shifting their weight toward their feet.
- Instruct the patient to push through their feet and extend at the hips and knees simultaneously to rise to a standing position.
- Encourage the patient to come to a full upright stance, with hips and knees fully extended and shoulders back.
- Pause briefly at the top to establish balance and control.
- Slowly lower back down to the seated position in a controlled manner, resisting the urge to drop back into the chair.
- Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Progressions: As strength and confidence improve, the therapist can progress the exercise by lowering the seat height to increase the range of motion and muscular demand, reducing hand support, increasing the number of repetitions, adding a pause at the midpoint of the movement, or transitioning directly into forward walking upon standing.