Rehabilitation options
Here are rehabilitation options for a patient who:
- Requires assistance to Sit to Stand; and
- Able to transfer weight forward and load affected leg
In the bedroom
Sit to Stand with assistance of one (Example 1)
Aim:
- Improve Sit to Stand independence.
Set-up:
- Chair on intact side, therapist on affected side for safety.
- Air mattress fully inflated to provide firm seat.
- Non-slip mat under feet to increase safety.
"Stand up and bring your hips forward to the table"
Mr W currently requires standby assistance of one for sitting balance and assistance of one for Sit to Stand. He has significant weakness and loss of co-ordination of all left leg muscles.
Therapist provides minimal assistance to guide left hip and knee extension.
Variations
- Non-slip mat under affected foot if it is moving.
- Cue to front or side of left knee to decrease hip adduction.
- Put patient's intact hand on table to help with bringing weight forward for Sit to Stand.
Changing the level of difficulty
Decrease difficulty:
- Increase height of bed
- Increase base of support
Increase difficulty:
- Decrease height of bed
- Decrease base of support
- Decrease therapist assistance
Sit to Stand with assistance of one (Example 2)
Aim:
- Improve Sit to Stand independence.
Set-up:
- Chair on intact side, therapist on affected side for safety.
- Using the edge of the chair as a cue for forward movement of shoulders to increase hip flexion.
"Bring your shoulders forward quickly past the edge of the chair and stand up"
Mr D currently requires minimal assistance of one for Sit to Stand. He has significant weakness and loss of co-ordination of all right leg muscles.
Therapist provides minimal assistance to guide trunk forward.
Variations
- Affected foot further back to increase weightbearing on affected leg.
- Non-slip mat under affected foot if it is moving.
Changing the level of difficulty
Decrease difficulty:
- Increase height of bed.
- Increase Base of Support.
Increase difficulty:
- Decrease height of bed.
- Decrease Base of Support.
- Increase weightbearing on affected leg.
In the therapy area
Sit to Stand with minimal assistance
Aim:
- Improve Sit to Stand independence.
Set-up:
- Wall on intact side, therapist on affected side for safety
- Intact foot close to wall to increase weightbearing on the affected leg with sandbags holding feet in position.
- Using the table as a cue for hip extension in standing.
"Stay next to the wall, stand up and bring your hips to the table"
Mr K currently requires minimal assistance of one for Sit to Stand. He has significant weakness and loss of co-ordination of all left leg muscles and neglect of the left side.
Therapist is holding gait belt for safety.
Variations
- Affected foot further back to increase weight-bearing on affected leg.
- Non-slip mat under affected foot if it is moving.
Changing the level of difficulty
Decrease difficulty:
- Increase height of plinth.
- Move intact foot further away from wall to decrease weight on affected leg.
- Increase Base of Support.
Increase difficulty:
- Decrease height of plinth.
- Place intact foot against wall - may use heavier object to hold heel against wall and prevent external rotation.
- Decrease Base of Support.
Stroke Foundation respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Country throughout Australia, whose sovereignty was never ceded, and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, water, sky and community. We pay our respect to the peoples, cultures, and Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, culture and hope of their peoples.
© 2026 Stroke Foundation ABN 42 006 173 379 - All donations $2 and over are tax deductible