The Healthspan Map · Fitness (Ch7-8)

Lower-body strength (chair stands / sitting-rising)

Compiled by Aamir Malik, PhD, Professor of Neuroengineering at Brno University of Technology, from published studies. He is a researcher, not a physician. Last updated 21 August 2026.

What this is linked to

Where Lower-body strength (chair stands / sitting-rising) is linked: 5 sources.In the order the Map holds them: strongest evidence first. That is a statement about the evidence, not about what matters most.
Condition or systemDirectionStrengthEvidence typeWhat was foundSource
Balance & falls riskWatch thisStrongRCT / meta-analysisLower-limb strength gains of 15-35% accompany 20-45% fall reductions; leg strength is a core fall determinant.Balance-strength fall-prevention RCT review (PMC12842942) (opens in a new tab)
MusculoskeletalWatch thisStrongEstablished clinicalThe chair-stand is a validated Short Physical Performance Battery test; slow performance marks low muscle strength (probable sarcopenia).Tromso Study 2015-2020 / SPPB (chair-stand as EWGSOP2 criterion) (opens in a new tab)
MusculoskeletalWatch thisModerateCohort / observationalLow sitting-rising test scores predicted natural and cardiovascular mortality; low scorers clustered excess fat, dynapenia, poor flexibility and balance.Araujo/Brito, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology 2025 (sitting-rising test) (opens in a new tab)
General / Whole-body EnergyWatch thisModerateCohort / observationalProbable sarcopenia (low grip or slow chair-stand) raised all-cause mortality (HR 1.77).CHARLS 9-year cohort (n=11,233) (opens in a new tab)
General / Whole-body EnergyWatch thisModerateCohort / observationalThe lowest sitting-rising scores carried a 5-6x higher all-cause mortality risk in adults 51-80.Brito et al., Eur J Prev Cardiol 2014 (sitting-rising test) (opens in a new tab)

The Healthspan Map is part of Fix the Floor, a book by Aamir Malik. About the book