Wearable-based Sit-to-Stand transfers in Older Adults: in-lab and home-based assessments

The ability to complete sit-to-stand (STS) transfers has a significant impact on a person's functional mobility. Wearable sensors allows for objective, long-term monitoring of STS transfers under home-based conditions. However, despite some recent initiatives assessing STS transfers in home-based settings, the majority of STS transfer algorithms have primarily been used for assessment during the execution of prescribed activities in a lab setting. More research is also required to comprehend the distinctions between in-lab and home-based measurements, as well as their relationship to clinical outcomes. The current study compared STS features identified in 20 older adults performing activities in-lab and at home. Our results showed that duration, peak acceleration, and smoothness of STS transfers performed in the lab versus at home differed significantly. The duration of STS transfers at home was 30% longer on average than in the lab. Furthermore, because they are natural rather than instructed actions as in lab settings, the number of STS per hour was significantly lower in home-based conditions. Understanding the distinctions highlighted is critical for the successful incorporation of home-based mobility assessments into prospective clinical trials.