Purpose:
The evaluation of the sit-to-stand (STS) movement has been widely studied; however, very different protocols are used, making it difficult to choose a methodology. So, the purposes of this study were: (1) to identify the STS Movement assessment protocols for lumbar spine, pelvis, or hip on the basis of video image analysis; (2) to investigate the reference values for these regions range of motion (ROM) using a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Methods:
The searches were conducted in BIREME, Embase, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science databases; manual searches were also performed. Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted the data, and assessed the methodological quality and risk of bias. The methodological quality was verified by the Downs and Black scale and the strength of evidence by the GRADE system. Seventeen studies were included, from which data on sample, evaluation protocols, and ROM angles were extracted.

Results and conclusions:
The studies showed high strength of evidence. Acquisition protocols diverged, but most of the studies utilized 3D video image analysis with optoelectronic systems, backless seat with adjustable height, and asking the subject to perform 3 trials of the movement in self-referred speed, keeping the arms crossed. The meta-analysis provided reference values for adults hip ROM (compared with the thigh) of 81.19–93.71°. For the elderly, the angles for lumbar spine and hip position at the start of the STS movement were 0.20–3.99° and 73.58–78.06°, respectively.