The Single-Leg Sit-to-Stand Test assesses unilateral lower-limb performance by requiring the client to stand from a seated position using one leg. Research has reported inter-rater and test-retest reliability for single-leg sit-to-stand methods when chair height, setup and scoring are standardised.
Single-leg sit-to-stand testing provides a practical way to assess unilateral lower-limb control, strength-endurance and task capacity.
Test name: Single-Leg Sit-to-Stand Test
Category: Unilateral lower-limb performance
Primary scores: Able/unable, time or repetitions
Best use: Side-to-side comparison
Key limitation: Chair height strongly affects difficulty.
The client stands from a seated position using one leg.
Used to assess unilateral lower-limb performance, control, strength-endurance and side-to-side differences.
It may reflect quadriceps capacity, hip control, balance, trunk strategy, confidence and symptom response.
Useful for athletes, general fitness clients and lower-limb performance monitoring.
Chair or box of recorded height
Stopwatch or Measurz stopwatch
Measurz rep counter if repetitions are counted
Optional Measurz AR measurement for chair height
Optional inclinometer
MAT tools for related isometric knee or hip strength testing
Client sits on a recorded-height chair or box.
One foot is placed on the floor; the other leg is lifted.
Arms are standardised.
Client stands fully using one leg.
Record success, time or repetitions.
Score may be able/unable, time for repetitions, number of reps or movement-quality rating.
Broad norms are limited. Use chair-height progression, side-to-side comparison and baseline/retest performance.
Research supports inter-rater and test-retest reliability for single-leg sit-to-stand methods when standardised.
Using the non-test leg, excessive momentum, knee collapse, trunk lean, inconsistent chair height and incomplete standing.
Useful for unilateral lower-limb monitoring, side-to-side comparison and progression tracking.
Record side, chair height, success/time/reps, pain, symptoms, compensations and retest date.
What does it measure? Unilateral lower-limb performance.
Does chair height matter? Yes, strongly.
Should both sides be tested? Yes.
Are there norms? Broad norms are limited.
Practical unilateral test.
Chair height must be recorded.
Side-to-side comparison is key.
Reliability depends on standardisation.
Measurz can track height, side and reps.
Waldhelm, A., et al. (2020). Inter-rater and test-retest reliability of two new single-leg sit-to-stand tests. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy.
