Authors

1. Adsett, Julie A. PhD, BPhty(Hons)
2. Bowe, Rachel BPhty
3. Kelly, Rebecca BPhty, MPhil
4. Louis, Menaka BAppSc(Phty), MPH
5. Morris, Norman PhD, BApplSci, BSc, DipEd
6. Hwang, Rita PhD, MHSc(Cardiopulm Phty), BPhty(Hons)

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to describe the psychometric properties and physiological response of the five times sit-to-stand (STST-5) and 60-sec sit-to-stand test (STST-60) in adults with heart failure (HF).

Methods: People with HF enrolled in a 12-wk exercise rehabilitation program completed two STST-5 and two STST-60 as part of their usual baseline and follow-up assessments. Test-retest reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the two STSTs were described. Results were correlated with the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and timed up and go test (TUGT), and rating of perceived exertion and physiological responses were compared between all tests. Feasibility was also reported according to the presence of adverse events and adherence to the protocol.

Results: Forty-nine adults with HF participated in this study. Intraclass correlation coefficients of the STST-5 and STST-60 were 0.91 (95% CI, 0.78-0.96) and 0.96 (95% CI, 0.93-0.98), respectively. The STST-60 was strongly associated with both the 6MWT (r = 0.76) and the TUGT (r_s =-0.77). The STST-5 was strongly associated with the TUGT (r_s = 0.79) and moderately associated with the 6MWT (r_s =-0.70). Rating of perceived exertion and lower limb fatigue were greater in the STST-60 than in the 6MWT (P < .001) or STST-5 (P < .001). Adverse events occurred in five participants undertaking the STST-60 and one participant undertaking the STST-5.

Conclusions: The STST-5 and STST-60 are reliable and valid measures of functional exercise capacity in people with HF.