Strength of association between the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test and balance, knee extensor strength and lower limb power in community-dwelling older adults

Background/Aims Although strength, power and balance are associated with the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test in older adults, the relative contribution of each to sit-to-stand performance is unclear. This study compared the strength of association between the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test and measures of balance, knee extensor strength, and lower limb power in older adults. Methods A total of 41 community-dwelling older adults completed the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test and tests of balance, knee extensor strength, and lower limb power. Results The strongest association observed was between the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test and dynamic balance (rs= −0.61, P<0.001), with a moderate association observed between the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test and power (rs= −0.52, P=0.001). Conclusions Dynamic balance and lower limb power are determinants of, and play roles in the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test performance in community-dwelling older adults. Dynamic balance was the strongest determinant of Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test performance, suggesting that the Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test should not be viewed solely as a proxy measure of knee extensor strength in community-dwelling older adults.