The one-minute sit-to-stand test (1-min STST) and its relationship to quality of life (QoL) in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH)

Abstract Introduction Patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) have a decreased functional capacity and poor quality of life (QoL). The one-minute sit-to-stand test (1-min STST) can be potentially used for functional capacity assessment, but there is no data to date on its relationship to QoL in PH patients. Aims Our aim was to find out if 1-min STST performance correlates to patient-reported QoL. Methods 106 PH patients (mean age 66 ± 15 years, 57% female) were prospectively assessed for cardiorespiratory fitness using the 1-min STST. The patients had to stand-up and sit-down from a chair as many times as possible within one minute. Patients QoL was evaluated with the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR) questionnaire. Results Mean number of 1-min STST repetitions was 16 ± 6.5 and mean CAMPHOR score was 26 ± 19. Patients with worse 1-min STST performance reported significantly worse QoL concerning the total score and all the sub-scores of the CAMPHOR questionnaire: They had a higher total score (r = -0.533, p < 0.001) and regarding sub-scores more symptoms: (r = -0.457, p < 0.001), worse functioning (r = -0.524, p < 0.001) and decreased QoL (r = -0.505, p < 0.001). Also, in multivariable linear regression analysis, adjusted for age, sex and BMI, lower 1-min STST performance was an independent predictor for worse QoL (β⁠ = -1.5, p < 0.001). Conclusion Our results indicate that regardless of age, sex and BMI the 1-min STST performance is associated with QoL in patients with PH.