Fitness Testing

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Groningen Fitness Test for the Elderly (GFE)

The Groningen Fitness Test for the Elderly was developed by Human Movement Sciences at the University of Groningen. It was the test used in a longitudinal study in the Netherlands of age-related fitness in older adults. The test battery comprises tests of a range of fitness components selected and modified to be suitable for an elderly population. The tests are simple to conduct, and do not require any bulky equipment.

What tests are included?

Tests from a range of fitness components are included. Click the links for a detailed description of each test. There are no tests for body composition.

• grip strength test — a test of upper body strength test.
• leg extension test — measuring lower body strength.
• sit and reach flexibility — a measure of hamstring and back flexibility.
• circumduction — a shoulder flexibility test.
• balance board (platform) test — testing agility and balance.
• block transfer — a manual dexterity test or coordination test of fine motor abilities.
• reaction time test — another test of fine motor abilities.
• walking endurance test — aerobic fitness test.

References

• Koen A.P.Lemmink, Han Kemper, Mathieu H.G. de Greef, and Piet Rispens P, Stevens M, Reliability of the Groningen Fitness Test for the Elderly, Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2001, 9, 194-212

Related Pages

• read a discussion about testing the elderly
• other tests for seniors are the Senior Fitness Test and the AAHPERD functional fitness test.
• read about Fitness Testing for Specific Groups and Special Populations
• Fitness Testing for Obese and Overweight subjects.