Hosted by Full Distance owner & physical therapist Alina Dawson, this complimentary workshop is designed to provide an overview of resources available at Full Distance with the primary goal of keeping older adults healthy and fit! This workshop includes education and instructor-led activities, including a demonstration on performing a stand-to-floor and floor-to-stand transfer (how to get off the floor if you have a fall) and promoting senior fitness testing.

What is senior fitness testing?

Fitness is important for everyone but is crucial for those in their senior years. Older adults must have adequate strength, flexibility, and endurance to accomplish everyday tasks. We use senior fitness testing to detect weaknesses that can be treated before resulting in severe functional limitations and loss of independence.

What is the Senior Fitness Test? 

The Senior Fitness Test was developed as part of the LifeSpan Wellness Program at Fullerton University by Dr. Roberta Rikli and Dr. Jessie Jones. As such, the test is sometimes known as the Fullerton Functional Test. It is a simple, easy-to-use battery of test items that assess the functional fitness of older adults. Using minimal and inexpensive equipment, the test describes easy-to-understand and practical tests to measure aerobic fitness, strength, and flexibility.

What are the tests?

The individual fitness test items involve everyday activities such as getting up from a chair, walking, lifting, bending, and stretching. The tests were developed to be safe and enjoyable for older adults while meeting scientific reliability and validity standards. Here is a list of the tests, with links to more details for each.

 Chair Stand Test — testing lower body strength

 Arm Curl Test — testing upper body strength

 Chair Sit and Reach Test — lower body flexibility test

 Back Scratch Test — upper body flexibility test

 8-Foot Up and Go Test — agility test

 Walk Test (6 minutes) or Step in Place Test (2 minutes) — The walk test assesses aerobic fitness