Applying both the 30-s and the 5-repetition sit-to-stand tests captures dissimilar groups and a broader spectrum of physical abilities in mobility-limited older individuals: results from the BIOFRAIL study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess differences among older patients demonstrating low STS performance in the 30 s-STS and/or the 5r-STS.

METHODS

30 s-STS and 5r-STS were used to assess lower limb muscle strength and function in older adults. Analysis involved 376 patients (≥ 65 years) from a geriatric outpatient clinic for fall assessment.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 79.8 (± 6.1) years (67% female). In total, 40.6% had low STS performance with 9.3% presenting only low 30 s-STS, 9.8% only low 5r-STS, and 21.5% low STS performance in both tests. Patients with low STS performance in both tests had lower gait speed, were more often frail, and had more prior falls compared to patients with low STS performance in one test only.

CONCLUSION

The two STS tests are not interchangeable, and the use of both STS tests capture a wider range of physical abilities in mobility-limited older adults.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05795556.