Predicting Longevity Through the Sitting-Rising Test

Overview of the Study

A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology highlights a straightforward test that involves sitting on the floor and standing back up with minimal support. This test serves as a reliable predictor of mortality from natural and cardiovascular causes, indicating a significant link between physical fitness and long-term survival.

Details of the Sitting-Rising Test

Conducted by exercise medicine specialists at Brazil’s CLINIMEX – Clínica de Medicina do Exercício in Rio de Janeiro, the study involved over 4,200 adults aged 46 to 75 years who volunteered for the Sitting-Rising Test (SRT). This test was evaluated based on how participants executed the movements, and they were followed for a median period of 12 years. During this timeframe, 665 participants passed away, with a higher incidence of mortality among those with lower SRT scores.

The Mechanics of the Sitting-Rising Test

The SRT is recognized as a valid assessment tool for physical fitness, focusing on key non-aerobic fitness components such as muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and body composition. The test can be completed in under two minutes and requires participants to lower themselves into a sitting position and then rise back up. Each movement is scored out of a maximum of five points, with deductions for any support used during the movements. The total score, with a maximum of 10 points, reflects the individual’s physical fitness level.

Interpreting the Results

The study’s findings reveal a clear correlation between SRT scores and mortality risk. Participants with lower scores had a significantly higher risk of death. Specifically, the mortality rate was 42.1% for those scoring between 0 and 4, compared to just 3.7% for individuals achieving the highest score of 10. Those with scores of 0–4 were six times more likely to die from cardiovascular diseases than those with perfect scores.

Study Limitations and Strengths

The authors acknowledged several limitations, including the demographic skew of the participants, who were primarily Caucasian and from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. However, the study also demonstrated strengths, such as a large sample size and a lengthy follow-up period, enhancing the reliability of the findings. The standardized SRT scoring method and inclusion of both male and female participants further contribute to the robustness of the research.

Implications for Health and Exercise

In light of these findings, health experts are advocating for increased emphasis on resistance training alongside aerobic exercises to enhance muscle power, improve balance, and mitigate age-related decline. The potential for health professionals to incorporate SRT tests into patient assessments could lead to personalized care and more effective exercise regimens.

References

1. Araújo CGS, de Souza E. Silva C.G., Myers J, Laukkanen J A, Ramos PS, Ricardo DR. Sitting-rising test scores predict natural and cardiovascular causes of deaths in middle-aged and older men and women. Eur J Prev Cardiol. Published online June 18, 2025. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf325
2. Araújo C G. Sitting-rising test: introduction of a new procedure for evaluation in exercise and sports medicine. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte. 1999;5:179-82.
3. Brito LB, Ricardo DR, Araújo DS, Ramos PS, Myers J, Araújo C G. Ability to sit and rise from the floor as a predictor of all-cause mortality. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2014;21(7):892–898. doi:10.1177/2047487312471759
4. Araújo CGS, Kunutsor SK, Eijsvogels TMH, et al. Muscle Power Versus Strength as a Predictor of Mortality in Middle-Aged and Older Men and Women. Mayo Clin Proc. 2025;100(8):1319–1331. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2025.02.015