Sit-to-stand tests for COPD: A literature review

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• Sit-to-stand tests (STST) are emerging as accessible field assessments for exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Various STST modalities exist, necessitating a clear understanding of their respective benefits and drawbacks for clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize the advantages and limitations of different sit-to-stand test (STST) modalities.
• To guide healthcare professionals in selecting the most suitable STST for individual COPD patients.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of seventeen original articles evaluating STST in COPD patients.
• Analysis included eleven studies on the 1-minute STST and four on other versions (5-10 repetitions, 30s-3min).
• Correlations between STST results, physiological variables, and other functional tests were examined.

Main Results:

• Strong correlations were found between STST performance and other functional tests, quality of life scores, and prognostic indices.
• Different STST versions engage distinct physical qualities, influencing their association with various physical attributes.
• STSTs demonstrate ease of use in home settings, possess excellent metrological properties, and show responsiveness to pulmonary rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• Sit-to-stand tests (STST) are relevant and valid tools for assessing the functional status of COPD patients.
• Despite validation in COPD, different STST versions are not equivalent or interchangeable and require careful selection.