Find Out Your Sit-to-Rise Score for Better Health

What if a simple physical movement could determine how long you were going to live? That’s what the sit-to-rise test can do.

In 2012, researchers asked 2,000 adults over 51 years old to sit down on the floor with their legs crossed and then stand up without using their hands, arms, or knees to help them. The researchers rated the participants’ abilities to do the task on a scale of 1 to 10. If a participant needed to use other parts of their body to get up, they were scored lower. The statistics revealed that participants who rated the lowest, 0 to 3 points, were five times more likely to die during the six-year study period.

What the researchers determined is that participants who were stronger, more flexible, and better coordinated tended to live longer than those who weren’t. This study shows us the importance of staying active and maintaining a healthy weight into maturity, which lowers your risk for:

• Falling, a leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults
• Heart disease and stroke
• Some types of cancer
• Diabetes
• Weak immune system

The sit-to-rise test can also help a doctor identify muscle conditions that could cause future problems.

If your doctor gives you a low score on the sit-to-rise test, the good news is that you can do something about it. Your doctor can work with you to develop a plan for improving your strength and balance so you can raise your sit-to-rise score and lower your risk of early death.

To find out your sit-to-rise score, call my office to schedule a consultation. We can work together to help you live a longer, better life.

Dr. Suhyun An