Reference values and validation of the 1-min sit-to-stand test in healthy 5- to 16-year-old youth

ObjectivesIt is essential to have simple, reliable and valid tests to measure childrens functional capacity in schools or medical practice. The 1-min sit-to-stand test (STS) is a quick fitness test requiring little equipment or space that is increasingly used in both healthy populations and those with chronic disease. We aimed to provide age and sex-specific reference values of STS in healthy children and adolescents and to evaluate its short-term reliability and construct validity. Design, setting and participantsCross-sectional random sample from 6 public schools and 1 science fair in central Europe. Overall, 587 healthy participants aged 5-16 years were recruited and divided into age groups of 3 years each. Outcomes1-minute STS. To evaluate short-term reliability, some children performed the STS twice. To evaluate construct validity, some children also performed a standing long jump (SLJ) and a maximal incremental exercise test. ResultsData from 547 5-16 year old youth were finally included in the analyses. The median number of repetitions in 1 minute in males (females) ranged from 55 [95% CI 38 to 72] (53 [35 to 76]) in 14-16 year-olds to 59 [41 to 77] (60 [38 to 77]) in 8-10 year-olds. Children who repeated STS showed a learning effect of on average 4.8 repetitions more than the first test (95% limits of agreement -6.7 to 16.4). Moderate correlations were observed between the STS and the SLJ (r = 0.48) and the maximal exercise test (r = 0.43). ConclusionsThe reported STS reference values can be used to interpret STS test performance in children and adolescents. The STS appears to have good test-retest reliability, but a learning effect of about 10%. The association of STS with other measures of physical fitness should be further explored in a larger study and technical standards for its conduct are needed. Strengths and Limitations of this StudyO_LILarge sample size (N = 547) C_LIO_LIReference values according to sex and age group (5-7, 8-10, 11-13 and 14-16) C_LIO_LIEvaluation of test-retest reliability and construct validity C_LIO_LIConvenience not population-based sample C_LIO_LINot all outcomes have been measured on each participant C_LI