Relative Sit-to-Stand Muscle Power Predicts an Older Adult's Physical Independence at Age of 90 Yrs Beyond That of Relative Handgrip Strength, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Time: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: Muscle power is important for an older adult's physical independence and can be easily estimated using the sit-to-stand test. This investigation aimed to assess whether muscle power estimated using the sit-to-stand test could identify older adults at risk of losing physical independence beyond handgrip strength, physical activity, and sedentary time and to develop minimal sit-to-stand power thresholds.

Design: Physical independence was assessed cross-sectionally in older adults using a composite physical function questionnaire. Muscle power was calculated using the 30-sec sit-to-stand test. Muscle strength was determined using a handgrip dynamometer. Physical activity and sedentary time were assessed by accelerometry. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the independent association between sit-to-stand power and projected physical independence ( n = 737). Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to develop sit-to-stand power cut points ( N = 1748).

Results: Sit-to-stand power proved to be the best predictor of physical independence in later life regardless of handgrip strength, physical activity, and sedentary time (standardized B = 0.45, -0.02, 0.12, -0.28, respectively). Sex- and age-specific cutoffs for sit-to-stand power had good discriminatory ability (area under the curve = 0.75-0.78 [women], 0.76-0.82 [men]).

Conclusions: Sit-to-stand power can be used as a simple and practical screening tool to assess an older adult's future physical independence.