Brazilian researchers have revealed a
simple test that may help predict your
longevity: how well you rise from a
seated position on the floor.
The sitting-rising test (SRT) involves a
score of 0-5 for each movement (sitting
and rising), with a combined 10 being
the highest score, awarded for those who
can sit and rise from the floor without any
assistance from their hands or knees.
While appearing simple, it actually gauges
a number of important factors, including
your muscle strength, flexibility, balance,
and motor coordination, all of which are
relevant to your functional capability and
general fitness.
To perform the test, simply sit down on
the floor, and then get up, using as little
assistance from your hands, knees, or
other body parts as possible.
For each body part that you use for
support, you will lose one point from
the possible top score of 10.
For instance, if you put one hand on the
floor for support to sit down, then use a
knee and a hand to help you get up, you
will "lose" three points for a combined
score of 7.
Research shows the numbers strongly
correlate with your risk of death within
the next six years.
For each unit increase in SRT score,
participants gained a 21 percent
improvement in survival. Specifically:
Those who scored 0-3 were 6.5 times
more likely to die during the 6-year-long
study than those who scored 8-10.
Those who scored 3.5 to 5.5 were 3.8
times more likely to die.
Those who scored 6 to 7.5 were 1.8
times more likely to die.
While I wouldn't take the results of this
study as "gospel" and become distressed if
you are 30 years old and score a 3, it does
provide an interesting perspective on the
connection between mobility and health
and can provide encouragement for many
to get back in shape.
Here's to vibrant vitality in your 40s, 50s
and heck... even your 90's and beyond!
--
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou
Life is an Adventure'
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