Daily Stair Climbing as a Functional Tool in Prehabilitation for Older Adults

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.