A comparative study of the five-repetition sit-to-stand test and the 30-second sit-to-stand test to assess exercise tolerance in COPD patients

Abstract

PurposeThe sit-to-stand test (STST) has been used to evaluate the exercise tolerance of patients with COPD. However, mutual comparisons to predict poor exercise tolerance have been hindered by the variety of STST modes used in previous studies, which also did not consider patients’ subjective perceptions of different STST modes. Our aim was to compare the five-repetition sit-to-stand test (5STS) with the 30-second sit-to-stand test (30STS) for predicting poor performance in the six-minute walking test and to evaluate patients’ subjective perceptions to determine the optimal mode for clinical practice.Patients and methodsPatients with stable COPD performed 5STS, 30STS and the 6MWT and then evaluated their feelings about the two STST modes by Borg dyspnea score and a questionnaire. Moreover, we collected data through the pulmonary function test, mMRC dyspnea score, COPD assessment test and quadriceps muscle strength (QMS). A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the 5STS and 30STS results was used to predict 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) <350 m.ResultsThe final analysis included 128 patients. Similar moderate correlations were observed between 6MWT and 5STS (r=−0.508, P<0.001) and between 6MWT and 30STS (r=0.528, P<0.001), and there were similar correlations between QMS and 5STS (r=−0.401, P<0.001) and between QMS and 30STS (r=0.398, P<0.001). The 5STS and 30STS score cutoffs produced sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of 76.0%, 62.8%, 56.7% and 80.3% (5STS) and 62.0%, 75.0%, 62.0% and 75.0% (30STS), respectively, for predicting poor 6MWT performance. The 5STS exhibited obvious superiority in terms of the completion rate and the subjective feelings of the participants.ConclusionAs a primary screening test for predicting poor 6MWD, the 5STS is similar to the 30STS in terms of sensitivity and specificity, but the 5STS has a better patient experience.

Performance on sit-to-stand tests in relation to measures of functional fitness and sarcopenia diagnosis in community-dwelling older adults

“…However, this could also be due to the large sample size where wide variability of 5TSTS and other physical tests could also be seen. Our findings parallel the observed poorer correlation between 5TSTS and pulmonary function, compared with 30CST, in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [ 46 ]. Higher body weight in obese individuals is known to impair weight bearing activities and reduce exercise capacity [ 47 ], accounting for the negative impact of body weight on 30CST performance.…”

Home-based or remote exercise testing in chronic respiratory disease, during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: A rapid review

“…Of the 128 full text papers screened, 84 were included (85 reports). This included five studies examining the 6MWT, 7 – 11 39 studies examining STS tests, 12 – 50 35 studies examining step tests 19 , 24 , 50 …”

“…26 Of those participants who felt it was strenuous to undergo a STS (69%), most (93%) found the 30secSTS more strenuous than the 5STS. 45 In a clinical trial of inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation including 60 participants with moderate to severe COPD, all could complete both the 30secSTS and the 1minSTS. 44 No feasibility data were reported for the 10STS, 2minSTS or 3minSTS.…”

The effects of 8 weeks of inspiratory muscle training on the balance of healthy older adults: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study

“…In addition, the FSTS has deemed a reasonable choice for clinical and research assessments (Zhang et al. ). However, it may not be an ideal test to address changes induced by IMT.…”