Affiliations: [a] Program in Physical Therapy, Department of
Kinesiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA | [b] Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School
of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA | [c] Sensory Motor Performance Program, Rehabilitation
Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Richard W. Bohannon, Department of
Kinesiology, U-2101, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-2101, USA.
Tel.: +1 860 486 0048; Fax: +1 860 486 1588; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Although the validity of the sit-to-stand (STS) test as a measure of
lower limb strength has been questioned, it is widely used as such among older
adults. The purposes of this study were: 1) to describe five-repetition STS
test (FRSTST) performance (time) by adolescents and adults and 2) to determine
the relationship of isometric knee extension strength (force and torque), age,
gender, weight, and stature with that performance. Participants were 111 female
and 70 male (14–85 years) community-dwelling enrollees in the NIH Toolbox
Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function. The FRSTST was conducted
using a standard armless chair. Knee extension force was measured using a
belt-stabilized hand-held dynamometer; knee extension torque was measured using
a Biodex dynamometer. The mean times for the FRSTST ranged from 6.0 sec (20–29
years) to 10.8 sec (80–85 years). For both the entire sample and a sub-sample
of participants 50–85 years, knee extension strength (r=
−0.388 to −0.634), age
(r=0.561 and 0.466), and gender (r=0.182 and 0.276) were correlated significantly with FRSTST times. In all
multiple regression models, knee extension strength provided the best
explanation of FRSTST performance, but age contributed as well. Bodyweight and
stature were less consistent in explaining FRSTST performance. Gender did not
add to the explanation of FRSTST performance. Our findings suggest, therefore,
that FRSTST time reflects lower limb strength, but that performance should be
interpreted in light of age and other factors.
