Ideally, students are preparing for graduation when they enter school in Kindergarten. Using the Fit4Work Screen, we can assess secondary students to understand how their physical function aligns with their vocational goals and aspirations. I have heard of this being used at younger ages to understand function as it relates to activity and participation.
Understanding the implications of the Social Security Exertion Scale, we can use the Fit4Work Screen both as an assessment and as an outcomes measure. The Fit4Work Screen is one of many tools that contributes to this conversation.
Exertion Levels
The categories of monthly activity are based on the Social Security Exertion Levels (sedentary, light, medium, etc.) as outlined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in §404.1567 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Individuals who can perform exercises at a given intensity level should have foundational levels of functional fitness to perform job duties. Foundational fitness corresponds to the designated level of physical exertion.
IMG_4514.MOVApplying Exertional levels
In this video, Dr. Johnson explains the basics of the Social Security Exertion Scale, how to use the Fit4Work Screen as an outcomes measure, and how this resource can help you and your students!
Fit4Work Screen
An individual's functional capacity can be assessed by using the Fit4Work Screen. The screen is based on key movements needed for work and occupational health concepts. The requirements for work are described using language from ergonomics and occupational health. This evidence-based checklist is a method to objectively collect information on key skills required for work.
The results of the screen will guide the creation of an activity program based on an individual's skill level as related to the Social Security Exertional level, and those skills required for work.
In some settings, in-person assessment and analysis is not possible. The Virtual Screening Tool can be used to gather objective information to be used as a baseline measure.
Fit4Work Screen.book.pdfFit4Work Screen: In-person
Fit4Work Screen.virtual.9.2020.pdf