Sit to Stand test

As physical therapists, we use many evaluation tools to help identify physical barriers to normal function and create the best treatment approach for our patients.  Regarding the senior population ( >60 years old), balance and fall risk screening is an often overlooked part of their primary care. However, with 30-40% of the geriatric population falling each year, it’s an important aspect of overall health. The good news is that assessing fall risk doesn’t have to be complicated, and this sit-to-stand test is easy and simple!

What is the sit-to-stand test?

The sit-to-stand test is simple and can be performed at one of our clinics and at home. The test assesses an individual’s leg strength and endurance by having them stand up from a sitting position repeatedly over 30 seconds. If balance and fall issues have already been identified, it is often administered as part of a more extensive testing regimen. However, it may also be utilized on its own. It is an excellent option for an easy assessment because it requires little time and equipment.  And it’s an easy test you can do with a loved one or on your own that will show you a lot (and how quickly you should schedule a free assessment with your PT). 

Who Needs to Take the Sit-to-Stand Test?

Anyone! Falling can change you and your loved one’s lives.  We recommend that anyone over 55 take this test yearly to see where they are with their age and if they are at risk. It’s better to be proactive regarding falls, and this is a great, simple test to show where you are clearly. 

Watch the video on how to perform the test

Gather the equipment!

One of the best perks about performing a 30-second sit-to-stand is how little is required to perform it. To complete the test, you will need:

1. An empty wall: This helps ensure that if the individual performing the test loses their balance and moves backward, they do not knock anything off the wall or hurt themselves.
2. A chair with no armrests: A simple chair that is sturdy and reliable. You should also ensure that the chair is placed on a no-slip surface and does not slip on the ground.
3. A timing device: You should have a stopwatch, analog clock, or cell phone timer to track 30 seconds accurately.

It’s helpful to have another person present to count the reps, monitor the timer (Use your phone to set the timer), and be there as a safety measure in case the person loses their balance. The test subject can focus on sitting and standing without added stress. 

How To Administer the Sit-to-Stand Test

First, practice a couple of times to ensure the chair is a good choice and you can do this test safely.  The goal is to have the test subject sit and stand as many times as possible in 30 seconds SAFELY! The chair should be about 6 inches from the wall.  The patient will begin sitting in the chair with their back straight and arms crossed over their chest. Position their feet shoulder-width apart on the floor in front of the chair so that their legs make just under a 90-degree angle at the knee.

For a rep to officially count, the subject must stand up completely, with their back straight and without using their hands to assist themselves. If the individual does not fully stand or uses their hand to press off the chair or their legs, that rep does not count.

Once the subject understands the task, have them assume the seated position and ready your clock. On the timer “Go,” the subject begins to sit to stand. Count the number of correct reps they complete in the 30 seconds. If time ends in the middle of a repetition, count the rep if the patient has completed more than half of the movement.

Results

Although a physician may have different expectations when conducting the sit-to-stand test, the Center for Disease Control provides a generic assessment to determine if a patient’s results are below the accepted average.  When conducting the test to CDC standards, a patient’s age and gender are the key factors. These are the average scores by age:

60-64: Male – 14; Female – 12

65-59: Male – 12; Female – 11

70-74: Male – 12; Female – 10

75-79: Male – 11; Female – 10

80-84: Male – 10; Female – 9

85-89: Male – 8; Female – 8

90-94:  Male – 7; Female – 4

A below-average score means the individual is at a higher risk of falling.  But just because the number is low isn’t a life sentence. 

We can help

Balance is fixable, and it’s something physical therapy can help with!  Schedule a free assessment with one of our physical therapists at one of our 40 locations, and we’d be glad to help keep you and your loved ones fall-free.