Assessing the Feasibility of the One-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test as a Substitute for the Six-Minute Walk Test in Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is associated with reduced exercise capacity. The six-minute-walk test (6MWT) is the gold standard submaximal test but has practical challenges, such as space constraint, time dependency and feasibility in clinical settings. This study aimed to determine if the one-minute sit-to-stand (1 min STS) test could predict walking capacity, as assessed by the 6MWT, among individuals with T2DM. Methods: Ninety-five individuals with T2DM participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants performed 1 min STS and 6MWT tests and completed the Arabic version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Ar-IPAQ). Pearson's correlation was used to determine the correlation between one min STS and 6MWT tests. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine whether 1 min STS predicted 6MWT while controlling for age, gender, BMI, IPAQ, and duration of diabetes. Results: Participants (mean age: 65.4 ± 6.4 years; 26.3% female; mean diabetes duration: 11.6 ± 6.4 years) demonstrated a significant moderate correlation between 1 min STS and 6MWT (r = 0.636, 95% CI [0.47-0.79], p < 0.001). Regression analysis revealed that the 1 min STS significantly predicted the 6MWT (β = 0.48, p < 0.001), regardless of age, gender, BMI, IPAQ, and duration of diabetes. Conclusions: The 1 min STS is inexpensive, simple to use, requires less space and materials that are widely available, and does not require experienced clinicians or researchers to administer. This test can be an alternative to the 6MWT for individuals with T2DM.

Keywords: diabetes mellitus; functional status; one-minute sit-to-stand test; physical activity; six-minute walk test.

Figure 1

Scatter plot between one-minute STS and six-minute walk test.