Quick Test To Predict Life Expectancy
The research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, evaluated individuals' ability to transition between standing and floor-sitting positions and back up again, without utilising their hands, knees or the support of objects or other people.
Health professionals note that this basic movement serves as a crucial health marker, revealing information about a person's physical state, including flexibility, balance, muscle strength and coordination. These physical qualities show a direct link with heart health and overall cardiovascular function.
The Sitting-Rising Test (SRT) evaluated 4,282 people aged 46 to 75 years (68% men), with scores from 0 to 10 based on performance.
Lower-scoring participants showed higher mortality rates. Middle-aged and older subjects who completed the test independently demonstrated better survival rates.
The study expanded upon previous research examining SRT scores and longevity. The test is scored out of 10 points — 5 for sitting down and 5 for standing up. Begin by crossing one foot in front of the other and lowering yourself to the floor; deduct 1 point for each support used (hand, forearm or knee).
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Air conditioners without external unit. (click to see prices)
Air Condition | Search Ads
Search Now
Undo
Once seated, stand up using the same method of scoring: subtract 1 point for each support and 0.5 points for any loss of balance or wobble.
Throughout a 12-year median observation period, natural causes resulted in 665 deaths, comprising 15.5% of participants. Mortality rates were 3.7% for those scoring 10, rising to 11.1% for scores of 8. The lowest-scoring 10% (0-4) showed a 42.1% mortality rate. After accounting for various factors, those scoring 0-4 showed 3.8 times higher overall mortality risk and 6.0 times higher cardiovascular mortality risk compared to those scoring 10, who could sit and rise from the floor without support or instability.
Researcher Claudio Gil Araújo advised against unsupervised testing. People with physical limitations, including hip or spine injuries, or severe joint conditions, should also avoid this assessment to prevent potential harm.
Dr Niranjan Hiremath, senior cardiovascular consultant and aortic surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, explained, "Poor performance in SRT may indicate reduced cardiovascular reserve, arterial stiffness — an early marker of aging blood vessels — or autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which affects how well the heart adjusts during movement.
This test highlights functional decline that is often invisible in standard check-ups.
Patients may have normal blood pressure or cholesterol levels, but if they lack the physical ability to perform simple movements, their long-term risk for cardiac events may still be high."
Dr Ashish Agarwal, director and head, cardiology, Aakash Healthcare, noted that poor performance might indicate muscle weakness, joint stiffness, coordination issues, or excess weight.
These factors correlate with heart disease, diabetes and chronic conditions.
Emphasising that performance enhancement was achievable through consistent effort, Dr Manish Dhawan, senior consultant, orthopaedics, Sir Gangaram Hospital, recommended stretching routines for legs, hips and lower back to maintain flexibility as well as strength training through squats and chair-rising exercises without hand support to build leg and hip strength.
He advised core exercises, including planks and floor routines, to strengthen back and abdominal muscles and single-leg standing, yoga and gentle exercises are recommended for balance improvement.
Dr Sanjeev Aggarwal, director, cardiac sciences, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, stressed the significance of incorporating activities promoting flexibility into everyday routines rather than treating them as sporadic exercise sessions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Vece Paes, Olympic bronze medallist, father of Leander Paes, passes away
Vece Paes (L) and son Leander Paes (R) both won medals at the Summer Olympics. (Image: X) Dr. Vece Paes, an Olympic hockey bronze medalist and pioneering sports medicine expert, passed away on Thursday at the age of 80. Born in Goa in April 1945, Dr. Paes achieved distinction in both sports and medicine, most notably as a midfielder in the Indian hockey team that won bronze at the 1972 Munich Olympics, while later establishing himself as a prominent figure in sports medicine and administration. Dr. Paes demonstrated exceptional versatility in athletics throughout his career, participating in multiple sports at competitive levels. Beyond his Olympic achievement in hockey, he competed in divisional cricket, football, and rugby, showcasing his broad athletic capabilities. His connection to rugby extended beyond playing, as he served as the president of the Indian Rugby Football Union for six years, from 1996 to 2002, contributing to the sport's development in India. After pursuing his medical education in Kolkata, Dr. Paes successfully merged his medical expertise with his passion for sports. This unique combination led to significant contributions in sports medicine, particularly in the realm of anti-doping education. His professional involvement with major sporting organisations included work with the Asian Cricket Council and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Drive, Sail & Save – The Budget-Friendly Way to Explore Europe! Learn More Undo In these roles, he managed anti-doping education programmes, establishing himself as a respected authority in sports medicine. Dr. Paes's medical background and sports experience positioned him uniquely to understand and address the health challenges faced by athletes. His work in sports medicine earned widespread recognition and helped establish new standards in athletic healthcare and anti-doping practices in India. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Silent symptoms of high cholesterol: Pain in these areas could signal danger
High cholesterol is known as a 'silent killer' because it often shows no obvious symptoms until serious health issues arise. However, recent studies reveal that elevated cholesterol levels can cause pain in different parts of the body, such as the legs, chest, back, and abdomen. This pain typically results from reduced blood flow caused by cholesterol buildup in the arteries, leading to conditions like peripheral artery disease and angina. Recognising these pain signals early is vital for timely diagnosis and treatment, helping to prevent complications such as heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems. How high cholesterol leads to pain Cholesterol, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called "bad cholesterol," can build up on the walls of arteries over time. This accumulation forms fatty deposits known as plaques, which cause the arteries to narrow and stiffen, a condition medically referred to as atherosclerosis. As a result, the affected blood vessels lose their flexibility and become less efficient at delivering oxygen-rich blood to various organs and tissues throughout the body. 5 Simple ways to bring down high BP When blood flow is restricted due to these narrowed arteries, tissues may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to ischaemia, which often triggers pain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3BHK Transformation Possible for ₹4.5 Lakh? HomeLane Get Quote Undo Moreover, the ongoing damage and inflammation in the arterial walls can activate nerve endings, intensifying the sensation of pain. Common areas affected by cholesterol-induced pain Legs and feet Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the legs can cause pain, cramping, and discomfort, especially during physical activities like walking or climbing stairs. This condition is often an early sign of high cholesterol's impact on circulation. Numbness and tingling: Poor circulation can lead to sensations of numbness or tingling in the legs and feet, indicating nerve involvement due to inadequate blood supply. Cold extremities: A noticeable difference in temperature between legs or feet may suggest restricted blood flow, a common consequence of cholesterol buildup in arteries. Chest Angina: Chest pain or discomfort, often triggered by physical activity or stress, can result from reduced blood flow to the heart muscles due to blocked arteries. This is a serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention. Back Spinal artery insufficiency: Cholesterol-induced plaque buildup can affect arteries supplying the spine, leading to back pain. This condition may be overlooked but is significant for overall spinal health. Armpits Upper limb artery blockage: While less common, cholesterol buildup can affect arteries leading to the arms, causing pain or discomfort in the armpit area, which may be mistaken for other conditions. Stomach Mesenteric ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause abdominal pain, especially after eating. This condition is linked to cholesterol-induced narrowing of the mesenteric arteries. Recognising the signs early Understanding these pain patterns can aid in early detection of high cholesterol and its complications. Individuals experiencing unexplained pain in these areas should consult healthcare professionals for appropriate evaluation and management. Preventive measures To reduce the risk of high cholesterol and its associated pains: Maintain a healthy diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit intake of saturated fats and trans fats. Regular physical activity: Engage in regular exercise to improve circulation and overall cardiovascular health. Regular health screenings: Monitor cholesterol levels through routine blood tests, especially if you have risk factors like a family history of heart disease or diabetes. Also read | Should you fast if you have blood sugar problems? Benefits and risks explained
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
The 'Triangle of Death': Pimple popping in this one spot could be deadly; here's why
Lish Marie, a New York mom popped a cyst near her nostril. Within hours, her face swelled so much she couldn't properly smile. She was rushed to urgent care and prescribed four meds: antibiotics and steroids. Talk about a wake-up call. There's more. In China, one man 'massaged' what he thought was a pimple, next thing, he developed sepsis. Doctors cut away infected tissue, drained tons of pus, and saved his life, but not before it got real. A TikToker named Hope ended up with a staph infection 'worse than childbirth' after a pop, and was left with a deep scar. Okay, brace yourself. You know that annoying pimple sitting right between your nose and upper lip, temptation central, right? Dermatologists call that the 'triangle of death' or 'danger triangle.' It's not clickbait, it's a legit risk zone thanks to a direct blood path to your brain. Yeah, a tiny pop could spiral into something serious. So, what's so dangerous about this area? Here's the anatomy breakdown: Veins from the nose and upper lip connect, via the cavernous sinus, to the brain. While older thinking blamed a lack of valves, modern science shows it's the vein network that matters. If bacteria sneak in (hello, finger germs), an infection can use this highway straight to your brain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Secret Lives of the Romanovs — the Last Rulers of Imperial Russia! Learn More Undo That opens the door to cavernous sinus thrombosis, brain abscess, meningitis, paralysis, and in extreme cases. .. death. Dr. Mark Strom (aka @dermarkologist on TikTok) puts it bluntly: never, ever pop pimples in the danger zone. Too many veins, too close to the brain—it's a recipe for disaster, he told the NY Post. What you should do instead Warm compress: Soak a cloth, press gently for 10–15 minutes to coax the zit along, no popping needed. Pimple patches: Those hydrocolloid stickers zap pus and shield the area, way less germy. Topical treatments: Use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid carefully, helps shrink the zit without damage. Call a derm: If it's huge or painful, professionals can drain it safely with sterile tools—or inject a fast-fix cortisone. Is death from a zit common? Nope. But even if 'exquisitely rare,' when the potential payoff is your brain health, isn't it better to skip the squeeze?
