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In this study, 2,002 men & women 51-80yo were assessed for their ability to sit (on the floor) & rise w/o assistance. Starting with a baseline of 5 points prior to sitting and again prior to standing (maximum score being 10), 1 point was subtracted each time support, eg hand, forearm, knee, or side of leg, etc was used to assist in sitting & rising. Another 0.5 point was subtracted if the author considered a move unsafe or unbalanced. Thus, the lowest score possible was 0 in each direction and 0 when summed up as the SRT score.
Statistically speaking, after an average of 6+ years (ranging as high as 14yrs) of follow up, those who managed to sit & rise w/minimal intervention/assistance leading to an SRT score of 8-10 had lower mortality by 5-6 fold compared to those who scored 0-3 suggesting an inability to sit & rise independently. The advantage of this particular test is the no timing function is required, nor the need for an open & unobstructed hallway.
So consider adding this simple & safe test to your armamentarium when attempting to predict mortality in your middle-age to elderly patients. Follow @alvinblin  
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