1. Timed chair stand test

2. Based on EHES Manual, Part B. Fieldwork Procedures, 2nd edition (2016)
Available at:
These slides can be used freely, translated and adapted to national use (e.g. concerning the equipment). However, it is important to keep in mind that no changes should be made to the measurement techniques, which need to be standardized.

3. Equipment
Straight backed, armless and firm chair without stuffing. Height of chair: cm
Stopwatch

4. Checking Ensure that the chair is stable and not broken anywhere
Check if stopwatch needs battery charge
Record each checking of the equipment and the outcome in the log book
If problems are observed in the equipment, it is replaced and this is recorded in the log book

5. Measurement site Select a private place
Place the chair against a firm table or a wall to hinder chair from moving during the test
If the chair is placed against a wall take care that the participant doesn’t hit his/her head on the wall during the test

6. Posture Ask the participant to sit in the chair with:
Back touching the back rest
Feet flat on the floor, knees slightly apart
Arms folded across the chest

7. Single chair stand test
Perform the test to everyone before continuing with the timed chair stand test
If the participant is not able to stand up without using arms OR has difficulties maintaining an upward posture, record the ability to rise up one time

8. Preparations for the single chair stand
Explain and demonstrate the single rise to the participant
Conduct for all participants
E.g. if participant is in a wheelchair he/she may still be able to stand up
Check that the participant wears steady shoes without high heels or slippery soles

9. Performing the single chair stand test
Ask the participant to stand up from the chair as demonstrated
If participant cannot rise without using his/her arms, ask the participant to use his/her arms
If participant is not able to stand up without help record the ability to rise up one time accordingly
Record outcome of single chair stand test
Katso referenssi

10. Exclusion criteria for the timed chair stand
Timed chair stand test is not performed if the participant:
Is unable to perform single rise without assistance
Has blood pressure 180/110 or higher AND has ever had myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris or stroke
Has blood pressure 200/120 or higher
Has a history of myocardial infarction or stroke less than 3 months ago
Does not understand instructions due to cognitive limitations
Refuses

11. Preparations for the timed chair stand test
Explain the test to the participant
Demonstrate a few fast rises focusing on:
correct starting position, correct standing position, back touching the chair when sitting down, and speed
Check starting position of participant

12. Performing the timed chair stand test (1)
Ask participant to stand up 10 times as quickly as possible
Assure that he/she is ready to begin and start the stopwatch on command
Count rises loud
Counts are reached in straight standing position!

13. Performing the timed chair stand test (2)
After the 5th rise take a split time
Stop the stopwatch when the participant reaches the 10th standing position

14. Special considerations for the timed chair stand test
Age specific instructions can be used:
for aged 30-69: 10 rises
for aged 70 and over: 5 rises
Remind the participant during the test to perform ”as quickly as possible”, if necessary
Monitor the performance and stand close enough to provide assistance, if needed

15. Record Record the following: Measurement time
Outcome of single chair stand test
Reason if timed chair stand test was not performed or was interrupted
Time for 5 chair stands
Time for 10 chair stands

16. Acknowledgements
Slides prepared by: Heini Wennman, Hanna Tolonen, Päivikki Koponen
Photographs: Hanna Tolonen
Chair stand test demonstrations by Heini Wennman and voluntary participants
Experiences and feedback from the EHES network have been utilized in the preparation of these slides
Funding: Preparation of the slides is part of the activities of the EHES Coordinating Centre which has received funding from the EC/DG SANTÉ in through SANCO/2008/C2/02-SI EHES and Grand Agreement number , and in through Grand Agreement number /BRIDGE Health

17. Disclaimer
The views expressed here are those of the authors and they do not represent the Commission’s official position.