Sitting-Rising Test used to assess physical fitness and longevity

The Sitting-Rising Test (SRT), developed by Brazilian researcher Dr. Claudio Gil Araújo, is gaining renewed attention as a method to assess physical fitness, including muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. The test requires an individual to sit on the floor from a standing position and then stand back up without using hands or knees for support.

Scoring is based on a 10-point scale, with five points awarded for sitting and five for rising. Points are deducted for using limbs for support or for losing balance. While the test has gained social media popularity and mentions from figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, it is rooted in clinical research.

A 2025 study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology followed 4,282 adults aged 46 to 75. The findings indicated that individuals with higher scores on the test faced a lower risk of death from natural and cardiovascular causes compared to those with lower scores.