Explain how TWO specific fitness tests from the Components of Fitness table below might need modification when used to assess elderly populations. (4 marks)
| Components of Fitness | |
| Cardio endurance | Multi-stage fitness test |
| Flexibility | Sit-and-reach test |
| Muscular endurance | 1-minute sit-up text |
| Balance | Balance board text |
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Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following
The multi-stage fitness test
- Requires modification because high-impact running poses fall risks for elderly populations. This leads to using 6-minute walk tests instead which provides safer cardiorespiratory assessment. Therefore, joint stress is minimised while still measuring aerobic capacity effectively.
The sit-and-reach test
- Needs modification because elderly individuals often have balance concerns and floor mobility difficulties. Consequently, performing from a chair enables safe flexibility assessment. This modification ensures hamstring and lower back flexibility measurement without ground transfer risks.
The 1-minute sit-up test
- Requires changes because repetitive spinal flexion can damage ageing backs. As a result, partial curl-ups or plank holds provide safer alternatives. This modification allows core endurance assessment while preventing vertebral compression and muscular strain.
Balance board test
- Needs modification because balance naturally declines with age. Therefore, nearby support structures prevent fall injuries during testing. This safety modification enables functional balance assessment while recognising age-related changes in proprioception and stability.
Show Worked Solution
Sample Answer – Any 2 of the following
The multi-stage fitness test
- Requires modification because high-impact running poses fall risks for elderly populations. This leads to using 6-minute walk tests instead which provides safer cardiorespiratory assessment. Therefore, joint stress is minimised while still measuring aerobic capacity effectively.
The sit-and-reach test
- Needs modification because elderly individuals often have balance concerns and floor mobility difficulties. Consequently, performing from a chair enables safe flexibility assessment. This modification ensures hamstring and lower back flexibility measurement without ground transfer risks.
The 1-minute sit-up test
- Requires changes because repetitive spinal flexion can damage ageing backs. As a result, partial curl-ups or plank holds provide safer alternatives. This modification allows core endurance assessment while preventing vertebral compression and muscular strain.
Balance board test
- Needs modification because balance naturally declines with age. Therefore, nearby support structures prevent fall injuries during testing. This safety modification enables functional balance assessment while recognising age-related changes in proprioception and stability.