A simple test that asks adults to sit on the floor and stand up with as little support as possible can predict mortality, scientists claim.

A new study found that people who are middle aged and above and needed to use a number of aids such as their hands and knees to get off the floor were six times more likely to die than those who didn't.

The ability to sit on the floor before rising to a standing position is closely linked to all causes of death, says the study.

It supports previous research that found musculo-skeletal fitness is a strong predictor of health in the middle aged and above, the Daily Mail reported.

"If a middle-aged or older man or woman can sit and rise from the floor using just one hand - or even better without the help of a hand - their survival prognosis is probably better than that of those unable to do so," study leader Dr Claudio Arazjo said.