Introduction toSenior Fitness Test

Instructor: Jessie Jones, Ph.D.Co-director, Center for Successful Aging

California State University, Fullerton

Nagi’s Disablement Model

Disease/Pathology

FunctionalLimitation

Disability

Lifestyle/Inactivity

Impairment

Senior Fitness Senior Fitness TestTest

8 ft Up & Go8 ft Up & Go

Senior Fitness Testpgs. 17-18 SFT Manual

•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 bodyStrength/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?

start 50 yds 5 yds 20 yds 10 yds 15 yds

_______

25 yds30 yds35 yds40 yds45 ydsð

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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

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

Test results still excellent for reporting pre/post results.• Note all adaptation to protocol on the

score card.

Interpreting Test Results

Norm-referenced standards Compare score to gender & age group

Normal Range of Scores (pg. 143)

Example Chair Stand Normal Range:

• Ages 60-64 Men 14-19

• Ages 60-64 Women 12-17

Interpreting Test Results

Criterion-referenced standards

• Identify clients “at-risk” for

mobility problems

Pgs. 89-90 SFT Manual

Reporting Precautions:

Consider the individual• Norms are based on 60% active, 40%

inactive “volunteers” community-dwelling. Everyone can improve!

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