A test that checks how easily one sits on and rises from the floor could predict risk of death among middle-aged and older adults, according to a study.

The 'sitting-rising test' -- a non-aerobic fitness assessment of muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and body composition -- could add relevant clinical and predictive information to routine examinations of healthy and unhealthy individuals, researchers said.

The team, including researchers from Exercise Medicine Clinic-CLINIMEX, Brazil, scored nearly 4,300 adults, aged 46-75 and who performed the test, from zero to five -- one point was deducted from five for each time a support of hand or knee was used, and 0.5 for an unsteadiness in movements.