1. Introduction to Senior Fitness Test Instructor: Jessie Jones, Ph.D.
Co-director, Center for Successful Aging
California State University, Fullerton

2. Nagi’s Disablement Model
Disease/
Pathology
Functional
Limitation
Impairment
Disability
Lifestyle/
Inactivity
Senior Fitness Test
8 ft Up & Go

3. Senior Fitness Test pgs. 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

4. Test Administration
Ch. 4 SFT Manual

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

6. 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.

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

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

9. 2-min Step-in-Place Measures aerobic endurance
Record the number of steps-in-place a person can do in 2 minutes?

10. 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
start
20 yds
50 yds
5 yds
10 yds
15 yds

11. 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.

12. Interpreting Test Results
Ch. 5 SFT Manual

13. 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.

14. Interpreting Test Results
Norm-referenced standards
Compare score to gender & age group
Normal Range of Scores (pg. 143)
Example Chair Stand Normal Range:
Ages Men
Ages Women

15. Interpreting Test Results
Criterion-referenced standards
Identify clients “at-risk” for mobility problems

16. Pgs SFT Manual

17. 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”

18. Assessment-Based
Program Planning