Purpose
This test is to assess lower body strength and endurance which is important for maintaining functional mobility and also in preventing or delaying the onset of disability and a subsequent loss of independence.
Instructions
The chair will be placed against the wall and you’ll start sitting in the chair with your back straight and your feet supported by the floor. You will cross your arms over your chest as the goal of this test is to not use your arms to get up and down from the chair. On go, you will rise up to a standing position without your arms and then sit back down in the chair. That counts as one repetition. You score will be the total number of reps that you perform in 30 seconds.
Exercise Recommendations
Muscle strengthening exercises should be performed 2 or more days a week on non-consecutive days for each muscle group. The initial focus should be on proper form with a lighter weight, progressing slowly based on your own performance. A couple exercises that will help you with the chair stand include seated leg extensions, assisted squats (with a Swiss ball on the wall or a TRX/rings), and step ups.
Amanda Morch
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Amanda introduces functional fitness testing, what it is, and why it's important to identify potential physical restrictions and/or limitations in order to improve your health and quality of life.