STS Medical Abbreviation: Sit-to-Stand Explained

What Does STS Mean?

STS most often stands for Sit-to-Stand.
Healthcare providers use it to describe the action of moving from sitting to standing, or a test that measures how well a patient performs this movement.

You may see phrases like:

• “STS training needed”
• “STS with supervision”
• “STS requires assist”

Each note tells the care team how safely and independently the patient can rise from a chair, bed, or toilet.

Why Providers Use STS

The sit-to-stand movement is a major part of daily life.
STS ability shows:

• Lower-body strength
• Balance control
• Fall risk
• Functional independence
• Readiness for discharge

If a patient struggles with STS, they may also have difficulty getting out of bed, climbing stairs, or moving safely at home.

Therapists track STS performance to measure progress. Improved STS ability often means improved mobility.

STS Tests Used in Healthcare

STS also refers to Sit-to-Stand tests, which measure strength and endurance. Common examples include:

• 5xSTS - time needed to stand up and sit down 5 times
• 30-second STS - number of repetitions in 30 seconds
• Single STS - evaluating form, control, and balance

These tests help guide treatment and show whether therapy is working.

A study found the five-times Sit-to-Stand test had excellent reliability (ICC > 0.9) and strong validity in measuring lower-limb strength and functional status in post-ICU patients.

Where You Might See STS

You may see STS in:

• Physical therapy notes
• Rehabilitation assessments
• Nursing mobility documentation
• Orthopedic and neurological evaluations
• Discharge summaries

It is one of the most widely used measures of functional mobility.

STS vs Other Similar Abbreviations

Other mobility abbreviations can look similar:

• STS (Sit-to-Stand): A functional movement or test
• STS transfer: Moving from sit to stand as part of daily activities
• STG (Short-term Goal): A therapy-related goal
• Gait training: Focuses on walking, not sit-to-stand

STS is unique because it evaluates a movement that combines strength, balance, and coordination.