Validity of a Three Times Stand and Walk Test (TTSW) for the Measurement of Physical Function in Elderly

Abstract

Background and objective: Five times sit to stand test (FTSST) and timed up and go test (TUGT) are used to evaluate balance in elderly. But such tests have limitations in assessment. Therefore, the three times stand and walk test (TTSW) was developed for effective assessment. The purpose of this study was to validate the use of TTSW.

Method: Eighty four elderly people aged more than 60 years participated in3 tests: FTSST, TUGT and TTSW. Participants performed 3 repetitions for each test. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate correlation the relationship between FTSST vs TTSW and TUGT vs TTSW.

Result: There was a high positive correlation between  FTSST vs TTSW (R=0.88, p<0.001), and TUGT vs TTSW (R=0.91, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The TTSW was validated to be used for balance evaluation in elderly.