Standing-up in healthy subjects: symmetry of weight distribution and lateral displacement of the centre of mass as related to limb dominance

Weight symmetry and avoidance of lateral displacement of the centre of mass during standing-up are prominent in rehabilitation of disabled persons. This study therefore investigated both variables in individual healthy subjects. They showed a distinct across-subject variability. Some subjects systematically preferred one limb or side unexplainable by limb dominance. Speed of ascent did not influence weight distribution, drift of centre of mass and relative occurrence of seat-off. Normative baselines of ‘normal’ individuals should be used cautiously for therapy planning. The probable existence of an individual motor strategy of standing-up suggests a treatment method tailored for individual subjects rather than trying to achieve perfect symmetry by all means.