Reference values for sit-to-stand tests in Colombian adults: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Clinical Biomechanics
• Public Health

Background:

• Submaximal tests like the Sit-to-Stand Test (STS) are vital for assessing strength and aerobic capacity in individuals with chronic diseases.
• Existing international STS reference values do not reflect the unique genetic and environmental factors of the Colombian population.
• Establishing local STS reference values is necessary for accurate clinical assessments in Colombia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine sex- and age-specific reference values for the 5-repetition, 30-second, and 1-minute Sit-to-Stand Tests (STS) in healthy Colombian adults.
• To provide normative data that accounts for the specific characteristics of the Colombian population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 393 healthy Colombian adults aged 18–80 years was conducted between 2023 and 2024.
• Participants underwent anthropometric assessments and completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).
• The 5-repetition, 30-second, and 1-minute Sit-to-Stand Tests (STS) were administered, and normative percentiles were calculated by sex and age.

Main Results:

• Age demonstrated a significant negative correlation with STS test performance (e.g., R= -0.493 for 60-sec STS).
• Height showed a positive correlation with 60-sec STS performance (R= 0.262).
• Higher Body Mass Index (BMI) was associated with poorer STS performance, particularly in the 30-sec and 60-sec tests.

Conclusions:

• This research establishes the first sex- and age-specific reference values for Sit-to-Stand Tests (STS) in healthy Colombian adults.
• The findings highlight the influence of age, sex, BMI, and physical activity on STS performance within the Colombian context.
• These local reference values are critical for improving the clinical utility of STS testing for health assessments in Colombia.