Five Times Sit to Stand (5xSTS): Measuring Leg Strength

The Five Times Sit to Stand test measures leg strength and balance by timing five full stands. Clinicians use this quick physical check to assess fall risk and mobility in older adults.

Timed Chair Stand Test (5xSTS) physical performance assessment PDF form
5xSTS

Timed Chair Stand Test / Five Times Sit to Stand (5xSTS)

The Five Times Sit to Stand (5xSTS) assesses lower limb strength and balance by timing five full stands from a standard chair. It's a quick way to identify fall risks and mobility decline in older patients. Clinicians use this functional test to monitor physical changes without requiring specialised equipment.

Category

Mobility
Rehabilitation
Physical health

Disease

Assessment
Geriatrics
Rehabilitation
Clinical Measurement

Source

(Csuka & McCarty, 1985)

Author Name

Csuka, M. & McCarty, D.J. (1985)

Page Editor

Thijs Sondag

What is Timed Chair Stand Test / Five Times Sit to Stand (5xSTS)

The Five Times Sit to Stand (5xSTS) is a reliable way to check lower limb strength. It helps clinicians spot fall risks in older adults effectively. This simple test requires only a standard height chair and a stopwatch. Participants sit with their arms crossed over their chest to isolate leg muscles during the movement. To complete the task, the patient stands up fully and sits back down five times as fast as they can without using their arms for support. The final score is the total time taken in seconds, providing a clear snapshot of functional mobility and dynamic balance control. It is widely used in clinics and home visits because it is easy to set up. Physios and doctors use the results to track changes in physical performance over time or to see if a rehab plan is working. It gives a practical look at how well someone handles daily activities like getting out of a car.

5xSTS Scoring

The Five Times Sit to Stand (5xSTS) can be scored using one main time based approach measuring functional strength. You record the exact time in seconds a patient takes to fully stand and sit five times. They need to keep arms crossed and move as fast as possible. Timing starts on the command go and stops when they are seated after the fifth repetition. Generally, a time over 12 seconds points to functional decline or fall risk, though cut offs vary by age. It is a top way to check leg strength and balance without fancy gear.

View scoring form

Advantages

Efficient collection

Streamlines research data gathering process.

Diagnostic accuracy

Enables precise identification of patient health status.

Wide applicability

Serves diverse clinical needs effectively.

Flexible settings

Functions effectively across different healthcare environments.

5
Minutes
1
Questions

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