The repetitive Five-Times-Sit-To-Stand test: its reliability in older adults

Abstract

Aims This paper examines: the intra-rater, inter-rater and test-retest reliability of the Five-Times-Sit-To-Stand (FTSTS) test administered by experienced and inexperienced assessors; and the correlation of FTSTS test times with lower limb muscle strength and balance performance in healthy older and young people. Method The cross-sectional study investigated reliability using test batteries including: FTSTS times; hand-held dynamometer measurements of hip flexor, knee flexor and extensor, and ankle dorsiflexor and plantarflexor muscle strength; Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores; and dynamic posturography measurements of the limits of stability (LOS). A convenience sample of 12 healthy older and 12 younger participants was recruited in the local university-based rehabilitation centre. Results The FTSTS test showed excellent intra-rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) range: 0.914–0.933) and moderate intra-rater reliability (ICC range: 0.644–0.879) in healthy older and young subject groups respectively. Inter-rater reliability between assessors yielded an ICC of 0.990. Test-retest reliability (ICC range: 0.988–0.995) was excellent. FTSTS times were not significantly associated with the older subjects' lower limb muscle strength, BBS scores or LOS results. Conclusion The FTSTS has good intra-rater, inter-rater and test-retest reliability. There is no significant correlation of FTSTS times with lower limb muscle strength or balance performance in healthy older people. The FTSTS test is a reliable measurement tool whether used by experienced or inexperienced assessors. A future study with a larger sample size is required for establishing the validity of FTSTS test times in the older population.