Sit-to-stand tests for COPD: A literature review.

Background: Sit-to-stand tests (STST) have recently been developed as easy-to-use field tests to evaluate exercise tolerance in COPD patients. As several modalities of the test exist, this review presents a synthesis of the advantages and limitations of these tools with the objective of helping health professionals to identify the STST modality most appropriate for their patients.

Method: Seventeen original articles dealing with STST in COPD patients have been identified and analysed including eleven on 1min-STST and four other versions of the test (ranging from 5 to 10 repetitions and from 30 s to 3 min). In these studies the results obtained in sit-to-stand tests and the recorded physiological variables have been correlated with the results reported in other functional tests.

Results: A good set of correlations was achieved between STST performances and the results reported in other functional tests, as well as quality of life scores and prognostic index. According to the different STST versions the processes involved in performance are different and consistent with more or less pronounced associations with various physical qualities. These tests are easy to use in a home environment, with excellent metrological properties and responsiveness to pulmonary rehabilitation, even though repetition of the same movement remains a fragmented and restrictive approach to overall physical evaluation.

Conclusions: The STST appears to be a relevant and valid tool to assess functional status in COPD patients. While all versions of STST have been tested in COPD patients, they should not be considered as equivalent or interchangeable.