Physical Metrics
Physical Assessment Battery
This battery of assessments provides a comprehensive picture of physical function and fitness using simple, field-based tests appropriate for adolescents with higher BMIs.
Functional Fitness Tests
1. 30-Second Chair Stand Test
Purpose: Assesses lower body strength and endurance
Equipment Needed:
- Sturdy chair without arms (seat height approximately 17 inches/43 cm)
- Stopwatch
Procedure:
- Place chair against wall for stability
- Participant sits in middle of chair, back straight, feet flat on floor, arms crossed at wrists and held against chest
- On “Go,” participant rises to full standing position, then returns to seated position
- Repeat for 30 seconds
- Count complete stands (up and down equals one stand)
Scoring:
- Record total number of complete stands
- Higher numbers indicate better lower body strength
Adaptations:
- If unable to stand without using arms, allow pushing off from chair and note this adaptation
2. Modified Wall Push-Up Test
Purpose: Assesses upper body strength and endurance
Equipment Needed:
- Wall
- Masking tape
- Stopwatch
Procedure:
- Place piece of tape on wall at height of participant’s shoulders
- Participant stands facing wall with feet shoulder-width apart, approximately 2 feet from wall
- Participant places hands on wall at shoulder height and width
- Bend elbows to bring chest toward wall, then push back to starting position
- Count completed push-ups in 30 seconds
Scoring:
- Record total number of completed push-ups
- Higher numbers indicate better upper body strength
Adaptations:
- Adjust distance from wall based on ability level
3. Single-Leg Balance Test
Purpose: Assesses static balance
Equipment Needed:
- Stopwatch
- Chair nearby for safety
Procedure:
- Participant stands near chair or wall (for safety if needed)
- Lift one foot approximately 6 inches off floor without touching other leg
- Time how long position is held without: moving standing foot, touching foot down, or moving arms excessively
- Maximum time: 30 seconds
- Repeat with other leg
Scoring:
- Record time (seconds) for each leg
- Longer times indicate better balance
Adaptations:
- Allow light fingertip support if necessary and note adaptation
4. 2-Minute Step Test
Purpose: Assesses aerobic endurance
Equipment Needed:
- Stopwatch
- Tape measure
- Tape for marking wall
Procedure:
- Determine proper stepping height by marking point midway between patella (kneecap) and iliac crest (top of hip bone)
- Place marker on wall at this height
- Participant steps in place for 2 minutes, lifting each knee to the marked height
- Count number of times right knee reaches required height
Scoring:
- Record total number of steps completed (right knee) in 2 minutes
- Higher numbers indicate better aerobic endurance
Adaptations:
- Can be performed seated for those with balance concerns
5. Seated Reach Test
Purpose: Assesses flexibility of lower back and hamstrings
Equipment Needed:
- Chair
- Ruler
Procedure:
- Participant sits on edge of chair, one leg extended with heel on floor
- With hands overlapping, participant reaches toward toes
- Measure distance between fingertips and toes
Scoring:
- Record distance in centimeters (positive number if reaching past toes, negative number if not reaching toes)
- Greater positive numbers indicate better flexibility
Adaptations:
- Can be modified based on mobility limitations
Anthropometric Measures (Optional)
These measures are optional and should only be conducted with appropriate sensitivity and privacy considerations. They should never be announced or discussed in group settings.
1. Height and Weight
Equipment Needed:
- Stadiometer or measuring tape on wall
- Digital scale
Procedure:
- Measure height without shoes
- Measure weight in light clothing without shoes
Privacy Considerations:
- Conduct in private setting
- Allow participants to step on scale backward if they prefer not to see their weight
- Do not announce measurements
2. Waist Circumference
Equipment Needed:
- Flexible, non-elastic measuring tape
Procedure:
- Measure at midpoint between lowest rib and top of iliac crest (hip bone)
- Take measurement at end of normal expiration
- Ensure tape is horizontal around body
Privacy Considerations:
- Conduct in private setting with appropriate screening
- Provide option for self-measurement with guidance
Physical Activity Assessment
1. Objective Measurement (If Available)
Equipment Needed:
- Accelerometers or pedometers
Procedure:
- Worn for 7 consecutive days
- Minimum of 10 hours per day
- Record steps per day and/or minutes of MVPA (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity)
2. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)
Procedure:
- 7-day recall of physical activity participation
- Includes activity during school, after school, evenings, and weekends
3. Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire (ASAQ)
Purpose:
- Measures time spent in sedentary behaviors
- Assesses screen time and sitting activities
Implementation Guidelines
Administration Frequency
- Conduct full assessment battery at baseline, mid-program (week 6), and post-program (week 12)
- Consider weekly monitoring of selected measures (e.g., chair stand test) to track progress
Creating a Positive Testing Environment
- Emphasize personal improvement rather than comparison to others
- Focus on functional improvements rather than appearance-related outcomes
- Present tests as information-gathering rather than performance evaluation
- Provide privacy for anthropometric measures
Data Recording
- Use standardized forms for consistency
- Document any test adaptations
- Note any factors that might influence performance (illness, injury, etc.)
Interpreting Results
- Compare to individual baseline rather than normative data
- Celebrate all improvements, however small
- Use results to guide program adaptations
Sharing Results
- Provide individual results privately
- Focus on functional improvements
- Connect changes to daily life activities
- Never compare participants’ results to each other