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30-Second Chair Stand Test

The chair stand test is similar to a squat test to measure leg strength, in which participants stand up repeatedly from a chair for 30 seconds. This test is part of the Senior Fitness Test Protocol, and is designed to test the functional fitness of seniors.



test purpose: This test assesses leg strength and endurance.

equipment required: a straight back or folding chair without arm rests (seat 17 inches/44 cm high), stopwatch.

pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. See more details of pre-test procedures.

procedure: Place the chair against a wall, or otherwise stabilize it for safety. The subject sits in the middle of the seat, with their feet shoulder width apart, flat on the floor. The arms are to be crossed at the wrists and held close to the chest. From the sitting position, the subject stands completely up, then completely back down, and this is repeated for 30 seconds. Count the total number of complete chair stands (up and down equals one stand). If the subject has completed a full stand from the sitting position when the time is elapsed, the final stand is counted in the total.

scoring: the score is the number of completed chair stands in 30 seconds. Below is a table showing the recommended ranges for this test based on age groups (from Jones & Rikli, 2002).

Men’s Results

Age below average average above average
60-64 < 14 14 to 19 > 19
65-69 < 12 12 to 18 > 18
70-74 < 12 12 to 17 > 17
75-79 < 11 11 to 17 > 17
80-84 < 10 10 to 15 > 15
85-89 < 8 8 to 14 > 14
90-94 < 7 7 to 12 > 12

Women’s Results

Age below average average above average
60-64 < 12 12 to 17 > 17
65-69 < 11 11 to 16 > 16
70-74 < 10 10 to 15 > 15
75-79 < 10 10 to 15 > 15
80-84 < 9 9 to 14 > 14
85-89 < 8 8 to 13 > 13
90-94 < 4 4 to 11 > 11

target population: the aged population which may not be able to do traditional fitness tests.

advantages: the equipment is readily available around any home

comments: The arms may be used for assistance or for safety if need.

references:



The Test in Action

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