Reference values for the 1-minute sit-to-stand and 5 times sit-to-stand tests to assess functional capacity: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives

To establish age-specific and sex-specific reference values and equations for the 1-minute sit-to-stand (1MSTS) and 5 times sit-to-stand (5TSTS) tests for Portuguese adults.

Design

Cross-sectional study. Descriptive statistics were explored to compute reference values and reference equations were established with a forward stepwise multiple regression.

Setting

Community.

Participants

546 adult volunteers without disabilities [age range 18 to 95 years; 58% female] were recruited.

Main outcome measures

Data on age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), smoking status and physical activity were collected using a structured questionnaire developed specifically for this study.

Procedure

Participants performed three repetitions of the 1MSTS and 5TSTS and the best repetition was used for analysis.

Results

Normative values were provided by sex for each age decade. Reference equations were: 1MSTS= 61.53 – (0.34 x age) – (3.57 x sex) – (0.33 x BMI), r2 = 26%; and 5TSTS= 3.89 + (0.10 x age) - (0.96 x physical activity), r2 = 27%.

Conclusions

The proposed reference values and equations will help to interpret the results of functional capacity obtained from healthy or diseased adult populations.

Contribution of the paper

  • Sit-to-stand tests are accessible options to assess functional capacity.
  • Reference equation for the Portuguese population was developed for the 1-minute sit-to-stand [61.53 – (0.34 x age) – (3.57 x sex) – (0.33 x body mass index)].

  • Reference equation for the Portuguese population was developed for the 5-times sit-to-stand [3.89 + (0.10 x age) – (0.96 x physical activity)].