Where do you compare to your peers with regards to function? This Saturday, March 31st, staff members from Sports Physical Therapy of NY will have a booth at the Arthritis Expo. The expo will take place at the Hilton Hotel in the Clifton Park Center from 10am-3pm. Physical therapists will be available to assess your level of function!
The following was taken form various articles within the Journal of Active Aging (2002). It includes tests that physical therapists may perform to see how well you are functioning compared to people in the same age group.
The tests that will be performed are:
The Chair Stand – How many times can you sit and stand from a chair without using your hands?
· Assesses Lower Body Strength
· Less than 8 times indicates a higher risk for falling
Grip Strength – How many pounds of force can you grip?
· Assesses Hand Strength
· Levels under normal for age range indicates decreased ability to hold on to a mug, open a jar, or hold items when lifting
Chair Sit-and-Reach – Sitting in a chair, how far can you reach to your toes?
· Assesses Lower Body Flexibility
· Men (4 inches) and Women (2 inches) or more decreases functional abilities such as getting in and out of a bathtub or chair.
Arm Curl – How many times can your curl a 5 (women) or 8 (men) pound weight?
· Assesses Upper Body Strength
· Less than 11 curls, using correct form, indicates decreased ability to lift and carry groceries, suitcases and grandchildren
Back Scratch – Can you reach one hand to another behind your back?
· Assesses Upper Body Flexibility
· Men (4 inches) and Women (2 inches) or more decreases functional abilities such as combing hair, putting on overhead garments and reaching for a seat belt.
These are also tests that we perform regularly during physical therapy examinations. They help you achieve your functional goals such as picking up your grandchildren and maintaining your independence! Stop by our booth on Saturday at the Arthritis Expo to learn more.
For more information you can contact Alison (asynakowski@sptny.com), sandrew@arthritis.org, visit SPTNYs facebook page, or visit www.arthritis.org.
See you there!!!