The application of Fullerton's Functional Fitness Test for older adults in a group setting

Objectives.- To discuss the application of physical performance assessments for older adults in community settings, to describe Fullerton's functional fitness test for older adults and its performance standards, and to discuss guidelines for administering the test battery in a group setting. Materials and Methods. - Seven thousand, one hundred and eighty-three men and women aged 60-94 from 267 community sites in 21 different states were administered the Functional Fitness Test battery. Results.- The results include 5-year age group norms for each test item for both men and women. Findings indicated that across all test items and most age groups, there was a gradual pattern of decline in performance between ages 60-94. People who were more physically active had higher performance scores and had about half the rate of decline than the less active people between the ages of 60-94. Conclusion - The fact that the norms were based on independent, community dwelling, volunteers, with over 50% reporting that they participated in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, 3 days/week, may mean that the results would not apply to populations that are substantially different. It is recommended that emphasis for participant feedback be on improving personal baseline scores through a physical activity program. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier.