Measure the client pulse while sitting and at rest. Using a treadmill, have the client walk for 5 minutes at 3
mph. If this is too strenuous, then have them walk at a comfortable pace. If they appear to be stressed,
stop the test and recommend physical therapy. At the end of the 5 minute period measure the pulse rate.
It should be between 60% and 70% of the maximal. Wait 5 minutes and again measure the pulse. It
should be below 60% and closer to the pre-measured pulse rate.
Cardiac Limited Clients
According to the ACSM, clients who are taking beta-blockers or have rate-limiting pacemakers will adapt
to a program for physical conditioning. However, determining and verifying the target heart rate would be
difficult. In this case, it is recommended that the Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) method be used.
Strength Testing
The Arm Curl Test measures upper arm strength, which is indicative of upper body strength.
The client is to be seated on a chair. Only one side needs to be tested, preferably the dominant side. A 5
pound (2.3kg) weight is to be used for women and an 8 pound (3.6kg) weight for men. Have the client
move slightly toward the side to be tested so that the arm and the weight may be hung straight down at
the side clearing the seat of the chair. Start with the arm down and perpendicular to the floor. The palm
should be in the natural position facing the side. Have the client slowly raise the weight gradually rotating
the weight so that the palm is facing upward as the arm is brought up to full flexion. Using a stopwatch and
counter, have them perform as many curls as they can using proper form in 30 seconds. At the end of the
30 second period have them stop and record the results. Discontinue the test if discomfort or pain results.
The following table lists average curls based on age. Scores lower than these figures are considered
below average. Scores higher than these figures are considered above average.
Age 60 - 64 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 84 85 - 89 90 - 94
Men 16 - 22 15 - 21 14 - 21 13 - 19 13 - 19 11 - 17 10 - 14
Women 13 - 19 12 - 18 12 - 17 11 - 17 10 - 16 10 - 15 8 - 13
Arm Curls PerformedThe Chair Stand Test measures lower body strength.
The client is to be seated in a chair without side arms. Please the chair on carpet or against an object or
wall to prevent slippage. The client will sit squarely on the chair with arms crossed in front of the chest.
Better balance may be achieved by crossing the arms at the wrist instead of folding arms. At the start
signal, the client will rise from the chair to a standing position and then return to a seated position. Arms
are to remain folded throughout the cycle. The trainer will record the number of stand/sit cycles that can
be completed in 30 seconds while maintaining proper form and stability. Discontinue the test if discomfort
or pain results.
The following table lists average stands based on age. Scores lower than these figures are considered
below average. Scores higher than these figures are considered above average.
Age 60 - 64 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80 - 84 85 - 89 90 - 94
Men 14 - 19 12 - 18 12 - 17 11 - 17 10 - 15 8 - 14 7 - 12
Women 12 -^17 11 -^16 10 -^15 10 -^15 9 -^14 8 -^13 4 -^11
Chair Stands Performed