On-Site Fitness & Strength Assessments

Functional Fitness / Disability Risk Screenings

Chair Stand Test

This test is a measure of lower body strength and endurance.  It involves counting the number of times within 30 seconds an individual can rise to a full stand from a seated position without pushing off with the arms.

Arm Curl Test

This test is a measure of upper body (primarily bicep) strength and endurance.  It involves counting the number of time a hand weight (5lb barbell for females; 8 lb barbell for males can be curled through a full range of movement in 30 seconds.

Grip Strength Test

This test is a measure of grip strength. It involves gripping and squeezing a grip dynamometer as hard as possible for three trials, with left and right hand.

9 Minute Walk Test

This test is a measure of aerobic endurance.  It involves measuring the maximum distance that can be walked in 9 minutes around a specifically marked course.

Chair Sit and Reach

This test is a measure of lower body (primarily Hamstring) flexibility.  It involves measuring the distance an individual can reach towards the toes while sitting on the edge of a chair with
one leg extended.

Scratch Test

This test is a measure of upper body (primarily shoulder) flexibility.  It involves measuring how far an individual can reach (i) over the shoulder and behind the head and (ii), behind the back and reaching up.

8 Foot “Up and go” Test

This is a test of gait, balance and mobility.  It involves measuring how long an individual takes to get up out of a chair, walk 8 feet to and around a cone (or other marker), and return to sit back in the chair.

Multidirectional Reach Test

This is a test of dynamic balance. It involves testing how far a person is able or willing to lean in a forward, backward or lateral direction

Notes on Functional Fitness Screenings

We have conducted literally hundreds of such tests over the last decade and used the results both to validate and design individualized and meaningful exercise programs for seniors.

All ActiveRx® tests have been scientifically validated, and used extensively in the exercise and wellness literature. They have been shown to be a powerful indicator of both current and future physical function in older adults. In addition, when administered, scored and analyzed appropriately by trained and qualified personnel, they are an extremely effective guide to designing individualized exercise programs for seniors.