Journal CME, January 2023: Feasibility and safety of the 30-second sit-to-stand test delivered via telehealth: An observational study-Journal Article

Journal Article - Jan 23

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The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and validity of the 30-second sit-to-stand test (30STS) administered via telehealth for oncology patients. Thirty-two outpatients from a telehealth exercise clinic at a tertiary metropolitan oncology hospital were screened, with thirty successfully completing the test. The study found that with proper safety screening, the remote 30STS is a safe and feasible method for measuring lower limb strength and function.<br /><br />Participants had a median age of 62.5 years, with 59% male and 34% having metastatic disease. The majority (72%) were undergoing cancer treatment. Pre-test safety screening involved a questionnaire using the Australian-modified Karnofsky Performance Status (AKPS) and the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). There were no adverse events during the testing.<br /><br />Moderate correlations were observed between the 30STS scores and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), indicating convergent validity. However, there were challenges in standardizing the testing environment, such as chair height and full visual assessment of participants by clinicians during the telehealth sessions.<br /><br />Results revealed that over one-third of participants lived in rural areas, reflecting the importance of accessible rehabilitation services. This study highlights the potential of telehealth to bridge gaps in care, particularly beneficial during situations like the COVID-19 pandemic that limit face-to-face interactions.<br /><br />In conclusion, the 30STS, with appropriate screening and telehealth delivery, is a valid and useful measure of lower limb strength and function for oncology patients. The study underscores the necessity of standardizing test conditions for reliable measurement outcomes. Future research should address standardizing chair height and improving visual assessments to enhance test reliability in remote settings.

Keywords

telehealth

oncology

30-second sit-to-stand test

feasibility

safety

validity

lower limb strength

remote testing

cancer treatment

rehabilitation