HEALTH-RELATED FITNESS TEST BATTERY FOR ADULTS - ASPECTS OF RELIABILITY

Objective: In two studies, the reliability of 3 balance, 2 flexibility , and 4 muscular strength tests proposed as test items were investigat ed in a health-related fitness (HRF) test battery for adults. Design: Methodological study. Setting: A health promotion research institute. Subjects: In study A, volunteers (n = 42) from two worksites participa ted. In study B, a population sample (n = 510) of 37-to 57-year-old me n and women was selected. Main Outcome Measures: Intraclass correlatio n coefficient of repeated measures was used to assess inter-rater reli ability. The degree of measurement error was expressed as the standard error of measurement. The mean difference with 45% confidence interva ls between the testing days or test trials was used to assess test-ret est or trial-to-trial reproducibility. The coefficient of variation (C V = [SD/mean] x 100%) from day to day was also calculated. Results: Th e following tests appeared to provide acceptable reliability as method s for field assessment of HRF: standing on one leg with eyes open for balance, side-bending of the trunk for spinal flexibility, modified pu sh-ups for upper body muscular function, and jump and reach and one le g squat for leg muscular function. Conclusions: This reliability asses sment provided useful information on the characteristics of potential test items in a HRF test battery for adults and on the limitations of its practical use. Testers must be properly trained to ensure reliable assessment of HRF of adults. (C) 1996 by the American Congress of Reh abilitation Medicine and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation