Gait speed & chair-stand test
How fast you walk and how easily you stand up from a chair - simple tests that flag frailty and fall risk early.
TypePerformance
HowWalk 4 metres at normal pace; stand up from a chair 5 times without using your arms.
How oftenYearly from 60+.
BeforeComfortable shoes.
WhoAdults 60+ or anyone with falls or weakness.
Everyday movement as a vital sign
Walking speed and how easily you rise from a chair reflect leg strength, balance and stamina. Slower results predict falls and loss of independence - often before people notice.
Gait speed
“How fast do I walk?”
Timed over a short distance.
Speed
Chair stand
“How strong are my legs?”
How many times you can stand up in 30 seconds.
Strength
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You’re 60+.
- You’ve had a fall or feel unsteady.
- You want to track leg strength.
A better option if…
- You’re younger and active - a VO₂max or strength test may be more informative.
How it’s measured
Gait speed
Time to walk 4 metres.
5-times sit-to-stand
Time to stand up 5 times.
The full picture
What is it?
Two quick tests of walking speed and leg strength.
What type of test is it?
Performance tests.
What does it measure?
Walking speed (m/s) and time to complete 5 chair stands.
Why might someone consider it?
They predict falls, disability and independence.
Who is it most relevant for?
Older adults.
How is it performed?
Timed walk and timed chair stands.
How often might it be considered?
Yearly.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether frailty is starting.
What are its limitations?
Pain or joint problems affect results.
What should it be viewed with?
Grip strength, balance and vision.
Where to get it
Through your provider
Many can be done in a regular check-up.
Physical therapists
Common in physio and rehab clinics.
At home
Some can be done safely at home - follow the instructions below.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Are my results a sign of frailty?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Gait speed & chair-stand test result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Gait speed & chair-stand test result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test