Batteries assessing functional fitness of older people: a brief review

Abstract

Regular physical activity of older people leads them to more independent life and reduces risk of illness and mortality from various chronic diseases. There are tests for muscular strength, flexibility, aerobic endurance, balance, body mass index, but for the older people is more interesting to know how they are able to do their daily life activities. Physical impairment leads to functional limitation (restriction in physical behaviors such as walking, standing up, stair climbing) which can lead to disability. The batteries contain various types of tests, ranging from basic motor skills to specific day-to-day tasks, depending on the physical activity field to be tested. The purpose of this review is to compare differences in the functional fitness assessing batteries of older adults to determine if they are common to use for physiotherapists and to help them in process of choosing.