One-minute sit-to-stand test reference values in people living at high altitudes

Introduction: The one-minute sit-to-stand test (1min-STST) is a practical assessment tool for measuring functional ability. Reference values are currently unavailable for populations residing at high altitudes. Aims: To establish reference values for the 1min-STST in people living at high altitudes by sex and age range. Additionally, we correlate the variables analyzed with the number of repetitions obtained in the tests. Methods: Multicenter cross-sectional research was conducted, collecting data from two cities at high altitudes. Healthy adults between 18 and 80 years old were recruited. Anthropometric measurements, physical activity levels, smoking habits, and the number of repetitions during the 1min-STST were recorded. A multiple linear regression was performed to determine the predictive equations by sex. The stepwise method was used to generate the predictive model. Results: As many as 400 healthy subjects (58% women) were included. Participants had a median (P25-P75) height of 1.62 (1.56-1.68) cm, a weight of 63.0 (57.8-70.1) kg, and a BMI of 24.2 (22.5-26.0) kg/m2. The predictive equations were: 1minSTSTMen=19.833 - (age* 0.168) + (height * 0.204) - (weight * 0.122); 1minSTSTWomen= 27.845 - (age * 0.198) + (height * 0.145) - (weight* 0.094). Conclusion: The reference values for 1min-STST were determined for the healthy population aged 18-80 years living at high altitudes.