Physical & Occupational Therapy In Geriatrics · Jul 10, 2026
Beyond the Stopwatch: Associations of Sit-to-Stand Power Equations Versus Time with Balance Performance in Older Adults
By Yıldırım MŞ, Aydın NS, Akbaş BM et al.
Aims To compare the predictive value of STS time and equation-derived muscle power metrics (absolute, relative, allometric) for balance and fall risk in older adults.Methods In this cross-sectional study, 28 nursing home residents completed the five-times sit-to-stand (5-STS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Functional Reach (FRT), One-Leg Stand (OLS), and Tandem Stance (TS) tests, plus a standardized fall risk questionnaire. STS power was calculated using established equations.Results Twenty-eight nursing home residents were included in the study, with a median age of 73 years; 24 participants were male (85.71%). Power metrics showed stronger predictive utility than 5-STS time for static balance and subjective fall risk outcomes. Relative power showed the strongest associations (TUG r = −.834, p < .001; OLS r = .440, p = .019; FRQ r = −.420, p = .026). After adjustment, relative (β = .506, p = .015) and allometric power (β = .436, p = .035) remained significant predictors of static balance.Conclusions STS muscle power equations, particularly relative muscle power, may provide a more meaningful alternative to 5-STS time for explaining balance performance and self-reported fall risk in older adults, supporting the integration of normalized muscle power estimates into clinical assessment.