Study Links Sitting and Rising Ability to Mortality Risk in Middle-Aged Adults

A recent study has revealed that the ability to sit down and rise independently can predict the mortality risk of middle-aged individuals over the next decade. According to findings reported by the Washington Post on June 18, 2025, a Brazilian research team conducted tests and follow-ups on 4,282 men and women aged 46 to 75 over a 25-year period from 1998 to 2023. The results were published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

The research team from the Clinimax sports medicine clinic in Rio de Janeiro performed the 'Sit-to-Stand Test' (SRT) on participants who visited the clinic for physical function assessments. This test evaluated how well individuals could perform the movement without assistance or tools.

The test procedure involves standing barefoot with feet slightly apart, crossing one foot over the other, and lowering the body until the buttocks touch the ground. Participants must not use their hands to support themselves or change foot positions during this process. After sitting, they must rise without using their hands or any support. Individuals with hip, spine, or knee issues are advised not to participate.

Scoring is based on a total of 10 points, with 5 points awarded for sitting and 5 for standing. Points are deducted for using hands for support or changing foot positions, with additional penalties for instability during the movements. A perfect score is 10 points.

After tracking participants for 12 years, the study found that those scoring between 0 and 4 points had a mortality rate of 29.7%, significantly higher than the 2.4% rate for those who scored a perfect 10. Groups scoring between 8.5 and 9.5 had a survival probability more than double that of the lower-scoring group, with particularly low mortality rates for those scoring above 8.

Dr. Claudio Gil Araujo, who led the study, stated that the test assesses muscle health, body balance, and flexibility, which can serve as indicators of longevity potential in middle-aged individuals. He emphasized that a low score does not guarantee death within a decade but may signal poor health.