Validity of the Five Times Sit to Stand Test in Healthy Older Men

Background: The Five Times Sit to Stand test (FTSST) is an outcome measure designed to examine functional lower extremity strength. While the test has been utilized with a variety of populations, less is known about its validity properties with parallel instrumented balance and isokinetic muscle performance in older men. The objective of the study was to determine if the FTSST demonstrates concurrent validity with both instrumented and functional measures of physical performance in older community-dwelling men. A second aim was to compare the measure in faller versus nonfaller performance and assess its predictive capacity for falls. Methods: Thirty-one healthy community-dwelling men were enrolled in the study (mean age 68.5 ± 5.5). A cross-sectional design was utilized. Participants completed a circuit of six physical performance tests, including the FTSST, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), the NeuroCom Motor Control (MCT) and Sensory Organization (SOT) Tests, the Activities -Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), and knee isokinetic strength. Results: The FTSST significantly predicted falls and correlated with the TUG (r = .59; p < .001), MCT composite score (r = .39; p = .03), and knee extension peak torque (-.41; p = .03). Fallers demonstrated significantly slower FTSST times (13.1 ± 2.7 seconds vs. 10.4 ± 3.2 seconds.; p = .017). Significance: The FTSST demonstrates concurrent validity with the MCT, TUG and knee extension peak torque. FTSST performance was significantly slower among fallers versus non faller participants and predicted faller status. Exploratory findings support the continued use of the tool for functional screening activities in older men.