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The influence of chair seat height on the performance of community-dwelling older adults’ 30-second chair stand test

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Abstract

Background and aims

Although chair seat height affects the performance of sit-to-stand movement, no previous study has examined the influence of chair seat height on the 30-second chair stand test (CST).

Methods

Fifty-five community-dwelling older adults (age 70.0 ± 6.3 years) performed the test from the standard height of 43 cm and then from five randomly ordered seat heights from 80 to 120 % of each participant’s lower leg length.

Results

Chair seat height significantly influences the performance of community-dwelling older adults’ 30-s CST (F = 57.50, p < 0.001). The mean score for standard conditions was significantly lower from those at 120, 110, and 100 % conditions (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the standard and 80 % conditions (p > 0.95) and between the standard and 90 % conditions (p = 0.353). When comparing the scores between the randomly ordered chair seat heights, all comparisons were significantly different (p < 0.001) except for the difference between the 120 and 110 % conditions (p = 0.104).

Conclusion

Chair seat height’s relation to the lower leg length should be considered when interpreting 30-s CST scores. Additionally, it is necessary to optimize the chair seat height when using the 30-s CST as an outcome measure for exercise intervention or to screen for people with weaker lower extremities.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by grant TCRPP100005 from the Tzu Chi Foundation, Taiwan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, Tzu Chi University, Hualien County, 97004, Taiwan

    Yi-Liang Kuo

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  1. Yi-Liang Kuo
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Correspondence to Yi-Liang Kuo.

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Kuo, YL. The influence of chair seat height on the performance of community-dwelling older adults’ 30-second chair stand test. Aging Clin Exp Res 25, 305–309 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-013-0041-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40520-013-0041-x

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