Daily Stair Climbing as a Functional Tool in Prehabilitation for Older Adults Direct Original Research
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Keywords
timed chair stand, knee extensor endurance, functional mobility
Abstract
Introduction: This study examined whether daily stair climbing is associated with lower-limb endurance and physical independence in older adults, evaluating its potential as a practical screening measure.
Methods: Fifty community-dwelling older adults (mean age 75 years; 88% female) completed timed chair-stand tests at two seat heights (TCS14, TCS17) and reported daily individual stair steps (STAIRS). Physical independence was assessed using a modified SF-36 Physical Functioning Scale (MSF36). Associations were analyzed using correlations, age-adjusted regression models, and one-way ANOVA across distribution-based stair-use cohorts (0-1 stair, n = 16; 2-10 stairs, n = 16; 11+ stairs, n = 18).
Results: STAIRS was associated with TCS14 performance (p = .02) and MSF36 (p = .04) but not with TCS17. Participants reporting ≥2 daily stair steps demonstrated higher chair-stand performance across both protocols (TCS14: F(2,47) = 5.867, p < .001; TCS17: F(2,47) = 6.360, p < .001). Age accounted for 28-29% of TCS variance; inclusion of STAIRS and MSF36 increased explained variance by 12-22%.
Conclusions: The 14-inch protocol demonstrated greater discriminatory ability and may enhance sensitivity for identifying functional differences in higher-functioning older adults. Greater daily stair-step volume was associated with higher chair-stand performance among older adults. Given the cross-sectional design, causality cannot be inferred.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Copyright, 2026 by the authors. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Alicia Bryan, Columbus State University
Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences
Associate Professor