Sit-to-Stand Test: Predict Your Quality of Life and Lifespan with a Simple Movement

Modern lifestyles have placed sedentary behavior at the center of our daily routines. However, the human body is designed to move, maintain balance, and use its strength. As we age, fundamental physical abilities such as muscle strength, flexibility, and balance naturally decline. Yet the rate and impact of this decline are often overlooked.

So, can a simple movement that we often perform in daily life—sitting down and standing up from the floor—offer clues about our general health and even how long we’ll live?

A recent scientific study explored this surprising question and showed that physical fitness can be assessed not only in gyms but also through a simple, equipment-free test at home—a tool that may play a critical role in preventing early mortality.

1998–2001: Foundations Laid

• 1998: The CLINIMEX open cohort study was launched in Brazil.
• 1999: Araújo introduced the Sitting-Rising Test (SRT).
• 2000–2001: Initial studies examined its reliability and the impact of excess body weight.

2013–2016: Clinical Relevance Strengthens

• 2014: SRT scores were found to be associated with all-cause mortality.
• 2015–2016: Non-aerobic fitness components were defined and applied in various cardiac populations.

2019–2021: Global Reach and Age-Specific Use

• Research linked SRT to push-up capacity, fear of falling, and cognitive development in children.
• 2020: Reference values for SRT were published based on age and sex.

2022–2024: Strong Links to Longevity

• Studies connected SRT to single-leg stance, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and overall lifespan.
• December 2023: Data collection from the CLINIMEX cohort concluded (8566 participants).
• March 2024: Final data cutoff date for vital status and cause of death analyses.

2025: Landmark Publication

• June 2025: A major study confirming that SRT is a stronger predictor than muscle strength was published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

📚 A 2025 study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology tracked 4,282 adults aged 46–75 over a long period. All participants underwent the SRT and were followed for an average of 12.3 years.

🫀 A strong link between SRT score and mortality risk was also found in individuals with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD patients, lower SRT scores were associated with a higher mortality risk.

This shows that the SRT can be a valuable prognostic tool not only for healthy individuals but also for those with chronic illnesses.

🏥 This study supports integrating the Sitting-Rising Test (SRT) into routine check-ups. This simple test, completed in minutes, provides important clinical and prognostic insights into non-aerobic physical fitness.

💡 It serves as an effective tool for designing personalized exercise prescriptions and making early intervention decisions.

The Sitting-Rising Test (SRT) stands out as a powerful predictor of both natural and cardiovascular mortality in middle-aged and older adults.

This simple, safe, and equipment-free test provides healthcare professionals with valuable insights by simultaneously assessing muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and body structure.

✅ Anyone—healthy or living with chronic conditions—should consider performing this test regularly (if physically capable) to potentially increase lifespan and enhance quality of life.