Functional fitness tests

Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)

The SoNLCP has both equipment, courses (if applicable), and trained staff to administer a variety of functional fitness tests including the 6 minute walk (6MWT), 10 meter shuttle walk (SWT), timed-up-and-go (TUG), and short performance physical battery (SPPB) tests. These tests are important in the determination of fall risk and functional independence and can be used in the prediction of mortality.

The battery will be administered by an experienced exercise physiologist according to standardized procedures.

The SPPB includes three tests: the standing balance tests, four meter walking test and repeated chair rise test. The test procedures are explained below:

Standing balance

For the test of standing balance, participants will be asked to maintain balance in three positions: feet together (side by side position), the heel of one foot beside the big toe of the other foot (semi tandem position), and the heel of one foot in front of and touching the toes of the other foot (tandem position). For each of the three positions, participants are timed to a maximum of 10 seconds.

Four meter walking

Walking speed is assessed by asking the participants to walk at their usual pace over a 4 meter distance. Participants are instructed to stand with both feet touching the starting line and to start walking after a verbal command. Timing begins when the command is given, and the time in seconds needed to complete the entire distance will be recorded. The test is repeated twice and the best time of the two will be used to calculate walking speed in cm/sec.

Repeated chair raise

The repeated chair stand test is performed using a straight-backed chair placed with its back against a wall. Participants will be first asked to stand from a sitting position without using their arms. If they are able to perform the task, they will then be asked to stand up and sit down five times, as quickly as possible. The time to complete the task will be recorded in seconds. The test will be repeated twice and the best time of the two will be used.

Six-minute walk test

The test is administered by an experienced exercise physiologist according to standardized procedures. Participants are asked to cover as much distance as possible walking up and down a 100 foot hallway for 6 minutes. The distance covered is recorded.

Shuttle walk test

Walk back and forth between two cones placed 10 m part on a flat floor. Walking speed is controlled by beeps recorded onto an audiotape. Participants begin walking upon hearing the first beep and aim to reach the opposite cone by the next beep. If a participant arrives before the beep, they are required to wait for the beep before walking back. Patients arriving after the beep are given verbal instructions to increase their walking speed so as to make it to the opposite cone before the next beep. Participants usually achieve the correct pacing after 2-3 repetitions. The initial walking speed will be 3 km/hour. At the end of each minute, the time interval between audible bleeps will decrease, resulting in a step-increase in walking speed of 0.5 km/hour. The test is terminated when the participant misses two consecutive laps. The time and distance is recorded.