Senior Fitness Assessment

Functional fitness is defined as having the physiologic capacity to perform normal everyday activities safely and independently without undue fatigue (Rikli and Jones, 1999).  The Senior Functional Assessment (SFA) was developed to measure the physical capacity of older adults (ages 60 to 90+) to perform normal everyday activities.  The test items include 30-second Chair Stand, Arm Curl, 2-minute Step (or 6-minute Walk), Chair Sit-and-Reach, Back Scratch, and 8-foot Up-and-Go. The SFA can tell individuals whether their physical capacities rank in the above-normal, normal, or below-normal categories compared to others of their same age and gender.  The results can indicate how close individuals are at risk for losing functional independence and identify specific areas of physical weakness that needs attention.  The tests can be taken on multiple occasions as a tool to track individual’s progress and changes in performance.

The SFA that includes 6 different tests (see below for more information about each test) should take up to 30 minutes to complete.  Participants will take the 6 different tests in a group of 6.  Groups will start at 30-minute intervals.  The SFA will start with a group warm-up then each participant will take each test individually until all tests are completed.  There will be a practice attempt at each test before recording the results.  Upon completion of the SFA, participants can compare their results with the performance standards based on a nationwide study.