One-Leg Stand Up Test as a Simple Assessment Tool for Predicting Sarcopenia

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship between one-leg stand up test results and muscle mass or strength. The possibility of using this test as a simple assessment tool for predicting sarcopenia was also evaluated. Methods: A total of 575 men and women aged 30–89 years participated in this study. The ability to stand up on one leg from a 40-cm-high seat was assessed. The appendicular skeletal muscle mass was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and the skeletal muscle index was calculated by dividing the appendicular skeletal muscle mass by the square of the height （kg·m-2）. Hand-grip strength and leg-extension power were also evaluated. Results: The subjects who could not stand up on one leg had significantly lower hand-grip strength and leg-extension power （P < 0.05）, and they also had a higher prevalence of low muscle mass （odds ratio: 2.79） or low muscle strength （odds ratio: 3.07）. Sensitivity and specificity of one-leg stand up test （for the low muscle mass or low muscle strength） were 48–56% and 72–74%, respectively. Conclusion: Sarcopenia could be partially predicted by the suggested one-leg stand up test.