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:
- Jones C.J., Rikli R.E., Beam W.C.: A 30-s Chair-Stand Test to Measure Lower Body Strength in Community-Residing Older Adults. J of Aging & Physical Activity, Jan 2000; 8: 85
- Anna Różańska-Kirschke, Piotr Kocur, Małgorzata Wilk, Piotr Dylewicz, The Fullerton Fitness Test as an index of fitness in the elderly, Medical Rehabilitation 2006; 10(2): 9-16.
- Jones C.J., Rikli R.E., Measuring functional fitness of older adults, The Journal on Active Aging, March April 2002, pp. 24–30.
The Test in Action
- This test is part of the Senior Fitness Test Protocol
Similar Tests
- Home squat test — perform as many squats as you can
- Ruffier Squat Test — measure heart rate before and after performing 30 squats in 45 seconds.
- Single leg squat test — functional leg strength test in which participants squat down until about 60° knee flexion.
- Endurance Jump (30 Seconds) — jump across a hurdle as many times as possible in 30 seconds.
- Sitting-Rising Test — assesses flexibility, balance and muscle strength in the elderly
- Wall Squat — hold a sitting position while leaning back against a wall.
Related Pages
- Other strength tests
- Read a discussion about testing the elderly
- All about the Senior Fitness Test
- Read about Fitness Testing for Specific Groups and Special Populations
- Buy the Senior Fitness Test Manual
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
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