Physical Activity Guidance Services: Test batteries
Level of Physical Activity (IPAQ)
The IPAQ questionnaire (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) is a tool used to measure the level of physical activity that people engage in. Based on the responses, participants can be classified as having a low, medium, or high level of physical activity. Find out the level of physical activity through the IPAQ questionnaire .
Timed Up and Go (TUG)
This test consists of measuring the time taken to get up from the chair without using the arms, walk for 3 metres, turn around, return to the chair and sit down. A score of less than 10 seconds is normal; between 10 and 20 seconds is a marker of frailty and when it is greater than 20 seconds, is considered to be at high risk of falling.
| Time | Result |
| <10seg | Normal |
| 10-20seg | Fragile |
| >20seg | High risk of falls |
Podsiadlo D, Richardson S. The timed “Up & Go”: a test of basic functional mobility for frail elderly persons. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1991. feb:39(2):142-8.
Handgrip strength
Hold the dynamometer with one hand. Press as hard as possible without the dynamometer touching the body. Press progressively and continuously for at least 2 seconds. The test shall be performed twice (alternately with both hands), with the appropriate grip setting, depending on the size of the hand, allowing for a short rest. The elbow should be fully straight and the dynamometer should not be in contact with any other part of the body.
For the correct grip adjustment, use the rule table on tha analogue dynamometer (TKK 5101 Grip d; Takey, Tokio Japan): for children aged 6-12 years or 13 years and older.
| Sex | Strength | Result |
| Emakumea | <16 kg | Low muscle mass |
| Gizona | <27 kg | Low muscle mass |
Cruz-Jentoft AJ, Bahat G, Bauer J, et al. Sarcopenia: revised European consensus on definition and diagnosis. Age Ageing. 2018;(1):1-16. doi:10.1093/ageing/afy169
30 Second Sit to Stand Test
The 30 second chair stand test consists of counting the number of times the person stands up and sits in a chair for 30 seconds. You need a chair with a backrest that has a seat about 44 centimeters high and preferably without armrests. It is advisable to stick the back of the chair to the wall so that it does not slide or tip over.
From the seated position, the participant is encouraged to stand completely upright, so that the hips and knees are fully extended; then the participant must sit completely again. This is repeated for 30 seconds.
| Woman | |||
| Age | Below average | Average | Above average |
| 60-64 | <12 | 12-17 | >17 |
| 65-69 | <11 | 11-16 | >16 |
| 70-74 | <10 | 10-15 | >15 |
| 75-79 | <10 | 10-15 | >15 |
| 80-84 | <9 | 9-14 | >14 |
| 85-89 | <8 | 8-13 | >13 |
| 90-94 | <4 | 4-11 | >11 |
| Man | |||
| Age | Below average | Average | Above average |
| 60-64 | <14 | 14-19 | >19 |
| 65-69 | <12 | 12-18 | >18 |
| 70-74 | <12 | 12-17 | >17 |
| 75-79 | <11 | 11-17 | >17 |
| 80-84 | <10 | 10-15 | >15 |
| 85-89 | <8 | 8-14 | >14 |
| 90-94 | <7 | 7-12 | >12 |
Rikli R, Jones C, Functional fitness normative scores for community-residing older adults, ages 60-94. J Aging Phys Activity 1999;7(2):162-81.Available from: https://bpac.org.nz/falls/docs/The_30-Second_Chair_Stand_Test.pdf (accessed 26 November 2023).
Modified 6 minute walk test (6MWT)
The purpose of the six-minute walk test (6MWT) is to measure the maximum distance a person can travel during a six-minute period by walking as fast as possible. The 6MWT is carried out in a corridor 10 meters long, with a flat surface and preferably indoor. Registration form for the test results.
|
Poor aerobic capacity, is associated with shorter life expectancy. |
< 300m |
American Thoracic Society. (2002). ATS Statement: Guidelines for the Six-Minute Walk Test. American Journal of Respiratory and critical care Medicine, 166(1), 111-117. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.166/17111
4 Meter Walk Test
It is a test used to measure people's risk of frailty. The purpose of the test is to measure the time it takes the person to travel 4 meters (with a prior acceleration margin at the start) at their usual walking pace. 2 attempts are made and the best time is chosen. The participant must wear their usual shoes and can use their cane or walker.
|
High probability of fragility |
MA< 0,8m/s o >5seg |
Ministerio de Sanidad (2022). Actualización del documento de consenso sobre prevención de la fragilidad en la persona mayor .