Functional fitness in elderly Norwegians measured with the Senior Fitness Test

Abstract

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the Senior Fitness Test in healthy older people in Norway. A secondary aim is to evaluate the use of European measures in the sub-tests compared with the American standards. Design: An explorative, descriptive study of a convenient sample of independent, healthy older people. People more than 60 years old were recruited through elderly centres and social contact groups in an urban area. Result: A total of 172 older people, 48 males and 124 females, were tested. There were significant differences between age groups with declining function with increasing age in leg strength, endurance and mobility. A cut-off point in performance, with start of declining function, was established around 70 years of age. Significant differences in arm curl and in 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) in favour of men were noted. Men were also stronger than women in the chair stand test; women, however, were more flexible. Conclusion: The Senior Fitness Test is a practical test for clinical use. The use of...