Predict the risk of human death with a simple test taken by Brazilian researchers. To do this, a person should only get out of a sitting position on the floor.
The study, which began in 2002, was attended by over 2,000 people aged 51 to 80 years. They were invited to sit on the floor, and then stand up, without resorting, if possible, to the help of hands and knees. This exercise was rated at 10 points (five points for how a person sat down, and five for how he stood up). Each time, when performing the exercise, the participants in the experiment leaned on a hand, knee, or other parts of the body, one point was taken.
Over the next six years, 159 people died, mostly those whose scores were lower.
People with low test scores (0 to 3) had a five to six times higher risk of dying during the study period compared to their stronger colleagues who scored more (8 or more), the researchers say. Each point a person received as an assessment for a test meant a 21 percent reduction in the risk of death.
The results did not change even after the researchers took into account factors that may affect human survival, including age, gender and weight.
The proposed test is a quick way to evaluate muscle and bone strength (musculoskeletal corset) and make a prediction for survival, the researchers said.
If a person of middle age or older can sit down and rise from the floor, leaning on only one arm, or better without the help of his hands, his prognosis for survival is better than that of those who cannot.
“It’s well known that a good physical condition, especially aerobic, is closely related to survival. Maintaining a high level of body flexibility, muscle strength, strength to weight ratio, and coordination all have a beneficial effect on increasing life expectancy,” the researchers say.
