Concurrence of 1-Minute and 3-Minute Sit-to-Stand Tests with the 3-Minute Walk Test in the Healthy Adult Population

This study aimed to determine the reliability and agreement between the 1-minute and 3-minute STST and the 3MWT. 

A prospective cross-sectional study recruited healthy adults based on inclusion criteria: aged 18 years and above with body-mass index 27.5 kilogram/squared metre (kg/m²) and excluded those who could not walk independently, had conditions that might limit the sit-to-stand action, such as severe arthritis or recent injury of the lower limb, severe low back pain, cardiac conditions and cognitive impairment. Each participant underwent three trials of each test with rest intervals. Three assessors, using randomised orders and test sequences, conducted the tests. Cronbach’s alpha (Cα) determined the reliability. Pearson's r correlation established the agreement between the 1-minute and 3-minute STST and 3MWT after establishing the parametric properties of the dataset. 

88 participants (41 females and 47 males) were recruited with a mean age of 31.7 ± 12.6 years, weight of 60.3 ± 10.3 kg, and height of 1.66 ± 0.09 m. The Cα for intra- and inter-rater reliability was 0.87 and 1.0 for the 1-minute STST, 0.97 and 1.0 for the 3-minute STST, and 0.94 and 1.0 for the 3-minute STST, respectively. The Pearson's r correlation between 1-minute and 3-minute STST was 0.88, 1-minute STST with 3MWT was 0.53, and 3-minute STST with 3MWT was 0.51; with all p 0.001.

This study demonstrated excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability between the 1-minute and 3-minute STST and 3MWT. The high reliability of these field tests indicates their consistency in measuring functional capacity. The strong correlations between the 1-minute and 3-minute STST suggest that these two tests may be used interchangeably. Similar moderate correlations were found between the two STST and the 3MWT. These findings support the use of both STST as a reliable and valid measure of functional performance, with potential utility in various clinical and research settings.

The strong reliability and correlation between the 1-minute and 3-minute STST suggest that these assessments can be confidently utilised in clinical practice to evaluate functional mobility in patients. Healthcare professionals can rely on these tests for consistent assessments. Furthermore, the observed moderate correlations with the 3MWT highlight the potential for the STST to serve as effective screening tools for functional capacity and performance. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating the STST into rehabilitation protocols and routine assessments to monitor progress and inform treatment strategies for individuals with varying levels of functional mobility.