How to do the test
Place a sturdy chair against a wall. Sit with your feet flat and your arms crossed over your chest. Stand fully, sit back down, and repeat for 30 seconds. Count your completed stands.
Understanding your result
Compare your count with the range for your age and reference group. Using your arms changes the test; record that separately rather than comparing an assisted result with the standard ranges.
Normal range, repetitions
These ranges represent the middle 50% of the reference group. Scores outside the range are below or above average for that group.
Loading comparison ranges…
Source: Jones CJ, Rikli RE. “Measuring functional fitness of older adults.” The Journal on Active Aging. March–April 2002, page 28.
Related protocol
The SPPB times five chair rises; it does not count stands for 30 seconds.
Before you start
Use a stable setup and stop for chest pain, severe breathlessness, dizziness, new pain, or loss of balance. Ask a clinician whether testing is suitable if you have symptoms or activity restrictions.