Sitting-rising test scores predict natural and cardiovascular causes of deaths in middle-aged and older men and women.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Prospective cohort study with long-term follow-up
PubMed 40569873 · doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf325
What was done
A prospective cohort of 4,282 adults aged 46–75 years (68% men) without severe physical limitations completed the sitting-rising test (SRT) between 1998 and 2023. The SRT scores ability to sit and rise from the floor on a 0–10 scale, deducting points for support (hand/knee) or unsteadiness. Scores were stratified into five categories: 0–4, 4.5–7.5, 8, 8.5–9.5, and 10. Participants were tracked for a median follow-up of 12.3 years (interquartile range: 7.6–18.0) to evaluate natural-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality using multivariate Cox models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and clinical variables.
What was found
During follow-up, 665 deaths (15.5%) occurred. Mortality rates showed a significant gradient across SRT tiers: 3.7% for score 10, 7.0% for 8.5–9.5, 11.1% for 8, 20.4% for 4.5–7.5, and 42.1% for 0–4 (P < 0.001). Comparing the lowest (0–4) to the highest (10) score group, adjusted hazard ratios were 3.84 (95% CI: 2.25–6.97, P < 0.001) for natural-cause mortality and 6.05 (95% CI: 2.29–20.94, P < 0.001) for CV mortality.
Why it matters
This study shows that a simple, zero-equipment assessment of non-aerobic fitness—capturing strength, flexibility, and balance—provides robust prognostic information on cardiovascular and natural mortality in middle-aged and older adults.
Limits
The cohort was predominantly male (68%) and consisted of individuals voluntarily undergoing medical and fitness evaluations, introducing potential volunteer bias. SRT requires the baseline ability to attempt floor movements, precluding assessment in individuals with severe acute musculoskeletal or mobility impairments. The cardiovascular mortality estimate had a wide confidence interval reflecting imprecision.
Cited by
- supports Performance on the sit-and-rise test is correlated with longevity and mortality outcomes.