Introduction to Senior Fitness Test

Instructor: Jessie Jones, Ph.D.

Co-director, Center for Successful Aging California State University, Fullerton

Nagi’s Disablement Model

Disease/ Pathology Impairment Functional Limitation Lifestyle/ Inactivity Senior Fitness Test 8 ft Up & Go Disability

Senior Fitness Test pgs. 17-18 SFT Manual

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Developed with the help of a national advisory board.

*Scientifically sound test *Performance Standards *Measures large-range of functional abilities *Requires little equipment *Quick and easy to use *Can be administered in a home-setting `

Ch. 4 SFT Manual

Chair Stand

Measure of lower body Strength/endurance Record number of stands without hands in 30-seconds

Arm curl

Measures upper body strength/endurance Record number of curls in 30 seconds. Women 5# (2.3 kg) wt. Men 8# (3.6 kg) wt.

Chair sit & reach Measures lower body flexibility Record how close to, or beyond, the toes a person can reach while sitting in a chair.

Back scratch

Measures upper body flexibility Record the distance between, or overlap of, the middle fingers behind the back.

2-min Step-in-Place Measures aerobic endurance Record the number of steps-in-place a person can do in 2 minutes?

6-Minute walk Measures aerobic endurance Record the number of yards a person can walk in 6 minutes? 45 yds 40 yds 35 yds 30 yds 25 yds ð ð ð ð ð ð 50 yds 5 yds 10 yds 15 yds 20 yds

8 Ft. Up & Go

Measures balance & functional mobility Time it takes to stand up, walk 8 feet (2.4 meters) and return to the chair and sit down.

Ch. 5 SFT Manual

Interpreting Test Results

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If a client can’t perform the test using the exact protocol, you can’t compare his/her score to the standards.

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Test results still excellent for reporting pre/post results.

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Note all adaptation to protocol on the score card.

Interpreting Test Results

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Norm-referenced standards

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Compare score to gender & age group

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Normal Range of Scores (pg. 143)

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Example Chair Stand Normal Range:

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Ages 60-64 Men 14-19

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Ages 60-64 Women 12-17

Interpreting Test Results

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Criterion-referenced standards

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Identify clients “at-risk” for mobility problems

Pgs. 89-90 SFT Manual

Reporting Precautions

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Consider the individual

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Norms are based on 60% active, 40% inactive “volunteers” community-dwelling.

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Everyone can improve!

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“It’s never too late” ”You’re never too old”