Beyond the Stopwatch: Associations of Sit-to-Stand Power Equations Versus Time with Balance Performance in Older Adults

YILDIRIM M. Ş., SERMENLİ N., MEHDER AKBAŞ B., KEKLİCEK H.

Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/02703181.2026.2700389
  • Dergi Adı: Physical and Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, AgeLine, CINAHL, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, SportDiscus, MLA International Bibliography, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Aged, fall risk, nursing homes, postural balance, risk assessment
  • Trakya Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

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.