What is most appropriate number of repetitions of the sit-to-stand test in older adults: a reliability study

Abstract

he most frequently employed versions of the sit-to-stand test (STST) are the 5 times STSΤ and the 30 seconds STST. However, it is not known whether a variation with different number of repetitions or time could be more appropriate for older adults. The objective of this study was to investigate the reliability of STST at different time points and number of repetitions. The test was performed in 33 older adults (73±6.1 years) for 40 seconds. The participants performed the procedure twice with a day interval between the sessions. The test was video-taped and the data were processed by two examiners. The highest test-retest reliability was found for the 4th (ICC=0.73, SEM=1.48, SDD=1.68), 5th (ICC=0.76, SEM=1.73, SDD=1.97) and 6th repetition (ICC=0.78, SEM=1.78, SDD=2.03). The inter-rater reliability was excellent independently of the number of trials (ICC>0.9). The correlation of the time at the 4th and 6th repetition with the time at the traditionally selected 5th repetition was excellent (r>0.9). The termination of the STST at the 4th repetition seems to provide equally reliable and valid estimations with the termination at the 5th repetition. Future studies should examine a 4 times STST since the reduction of the number of repetitions may be less tiring and safer for older adults.

The Effects of a Home-Based Combined Motor Control and Ergonomic Program on Functional Ability and Fear of Falling: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The balance control was assessed by the Tandem stance (heel-toe) test (Tandem) [ 16 ] and the Functional Reach Test (FRT) [ 17 ]. Functionality was assessed using the 4 meters walking test (4MWT) [ 18 ], the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test [ 19 ], the 30 seconds - Sit to stand test [ 20 ], and the Greek version of Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-Greek) [ 21 ]. The Greek version of the Falls Self-efficacy International Scale (FES-I_GREEK) [ 8 ] was used for the evaluation of "fear-of-falling" (FOF), defined as ongoing concern about falling that ultimately limits the performance of activities of daily living (ADL) [ 22 ].…”

“…The number of stands is recorded. Regarding older people, aged 75-79, like our sample, the criterion standard to maintain functional independence is 13-14 stands, which is considered a cut-off score for moderately active older people [ 20 ].…”

Motor Control and Ergonomic Intervention Home-Based Program: A Pilot Trial Performed in the Framework of the Motor Control Home Ergonomics Elderlies' Prevention of Falls (McHeELP) Project

“…In the present study, participants were assessed at baseline and immediately post-intervention (end of the third month) with the physical performance measures (PPMs): 4 meters walking test [11], Timed Up and Go (TUG) test [12], Sit to Stand test -30 seconds [13], Tandem Stance (heel-toe) test (Tandem) [14], Functional Reach Test (FRT) [15], Foot Tapping test -10 seconds [16], Heel to Shin test [17]; and the Greek versions of the patient-reported outcomes (PROs): Euro QoL-5D-5L questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) [18], Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS-Greek) [19], Falls Self-Efficacy International Scale (FES-I_GREEK) [20], and the Home Falls and Accidents Screening Tool (HOMEFAST) questionnaire [21]. The description and procedures of the study's outcome measures are presented in the Appendix.…”

Methodology of a home-based motor control exercise and ergonomic intervention programme for community-dwelling older people: The McHeELP study

“…The test is administered using a chair without arms, with seat height of 17 inches. The 30-second STST records the number of stands a person can complete in 30-seconds[ 28 , 29 ]. Tandem stance test (heel-toe).…”

“…Participants were seated in a standard 45 cm height chair, with the back against the chair, both arms resting along their body and both feet completely resting on the floor. The TUG assesses the number of seconds needed for an individual to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meter at their usual pace past a line on the floor, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down again with the back against the chair 26 STST records the number of stands a person can complete in 30-seconds 28,29 . 4.…”