About the AAHPERD Agility Test

The AAHPERD Agility Test is a test of agility and dynamic balance for the elderly, which is part of the AAHPERD Functional Fitness Protocol. This validated assessment helps evaluate functional mobility and fall risk in older adults aged 60 and above. See also the Up and Go agility test which is also designed to test agility in the elderly.

What the Test Measures

Test Purpose: This test measures speed, agility and balance while moving. It assesses multiple physical qualities that are critical for maintaining independence and preventing falls in older adults:

  • Dynamic Balance: Ability to maintain stability while changing directions
  • Coordination: Timing and control of movements
  • Lower Body Strength: Power needed for standing and walking
  • Agility: Speed of movement with directional changes

Test Equipment and Setup

Equipment Required:

Test Procedure

Pre-test Protocol: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Measure and mark out the course. Ensure that the participants are adequately warmed-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.

Course Setup: The timed agility test is conducted on a 31-foot (9.45-meter) course marked by traffic cones. Place two cones 15.5 feet (4.73 meters) to the right and left of the chair, creating a symmetrical setup.

Test Administration: The participant starts from a seated position in the chair. The subject must:

  1. Rise from the chair upon command
  2. Walk around the cone to the right as quickly as possible
  3. Return to be fully seated on the chair
  4. Immediately rise again
  5. Walk around the cone to the left
  6. Return to be fully seated on the chair

One trial consists of two complete circuits of the agility course (right and left). The course should be completed as quickly and safely as possible.

Scoring: Take the best time of the two trials to the nearest 1/10th second. The timer starts on the command "go" and stops when the participant returns to a fully seated position after the second circuit.

Understanding Your Results

Performance on the AAHPERD agility test is interpreted using age and gender-specific norms. The test has high reliability (0.96-0.98) and validity for assessing functional fitness in older adults.

Performance Categories

Excellent: Performance in the top 10-15% for your age and gender. Indicates superior functional mobility and very low fall risk.

Good: Above average performance (top 25-30%). Demonstrates strong agility and balance with low fall risk.

Average: Typical performance for age and gender (40-60th percentile). Moderate fall risk that can be reduced with targeted training.

Below Average: Performance below the 40th percentile. Elevated fall risk; balance and agility training recommended.

Needs Improvement: Significantly slower than age/gender norms. High fall risk; consultation with physical therapist strongly recommended.

Fall Prevention Applications

Research by Cameron Yuen, PT, DPT, CSCS, and other physical therapists has established the AAHPERD agility test as "a valid and reliable measure for agility with this population and is a valuable data point in preventing falls." The test assesses dynamic balance, strength, coordination, and power—all physical qualities that diminish with time and are extremely important for fall prevention.

Adults aged 60+ who score in the "Below Average" or "Needs Improvement" categories should:

  • Consult with a physical therapist for personalized assessment
  • Enroll in a structured fall prevention program
  • Practice daily balance exercises with supervision
  • Consider environmental modifications to reduce fall risk at home

Training to Improve Your Score

Exercise Recommendations by Performance Level

For All Levels:

  • Practice chair stands: 3 sets of 10 repetitions, 3x per week
  • Single-leg balance: Hold for 30 seconds each leg, progress to eyes closed
  • Heel-to-toe walking: 20 steps forward and backward
  • Side stepping: 20 steps each direction with good posture

Advanced Training (Excellent/Good performers):

  • Cone drills: Figure-8 patterns around cones
  • Lateral shuffles: Quick side-to-side movements
  • Standing on unstable surfaces (foam pad) for balance challenge
  • Tai chi or yoga classes for complex movement patterns

Beginner Training (Below Average/Needs Improvement):

  • Seated marching: Lift knees while seated for 2 minutes
  • Standing balance at counter: Progress from two hands to one hand support
  • Slow walking with direction changes
  • Water-based exercises for safer practice environment

Target Population

Appropriate For:

  • Community-dwelling older adults aged 60+
  • Seniors in independent living facilities
  • Active aging program participants
  • Physical therapy patients (post-clearance)

Target Population: The aged population which may not be capable of performing traditional agility fitness tests. The test is specifically designed for older adults with lower fitness levels who are not yet frail.

Test Administration Tips

Best Practices:

  • For best results, practice the test once, and then perform it twice
  • A cane or walker may be used if that is the usual mode of walking
  • Push-off from the chair is allowed
  • Ensure adequate space and clear pathways
  • Have a spotter nearby for safety
  • Allow adequate rest between trials (2-3 minutes)

Safety Considerations:

  • Screen for contraindications (recent falls, severe arthritis, cardiac issues)
  • Place chair against wall for stability
  • Clear the area of tripping hazards
  • Have emergency contact information available
  • Stop test if participant experiences pain, dizziness, or excessive fatigue

Research and Validation

The AAHPERD Functional Fitness Test was developed by Wayne H. Osness and colleagues in 1990 and has been extensively validated across multiple populations. Research has demonstrated:

  • High test-retest reliability (ICC 0.96-0.98 for agility test)
  • Strong validity for assessing functional fitness in older adults
  • Successful adaptation for institutionalized elderly populations
  • Correlation with activities of daily living performance
  • Predictive value for fall risk assessment

International studies in Japan, Brazil, Italy, and Pakistan have confirmed the test's applicability across diverse elderly populations, with some adaptations for cultural and environmental factors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good score on the AAHPERD agility test?

A good score varies by age and gender. For males aged 60-64, excellent performance is 18 seconds or less, while good is 22 seconds or less. For females in the same age group, excellent is 19 seconds or less and good is 24 seconds or less. Performance standards adjust for older age groups, typically allowing 1-2 additional seconds per five-year increment.

How often should I take the AAHPERD agility test?

For fitness monitoring, test every 8-12 weeks to track progress. If participating in a fall prevention or training program, testing at program start and completion (typically 12-16 weeks) provides meaningful comparison data. Avoid testing more frequently than monthly, as short-term improvements may not be detectable and could lead to discouragement.

Can I use assistive devices during the test?

Yes, if you normally use a cane or walker for mobility, you should use it during the test. The test is designed to assess your functional fitness in your typical state. Document the use of assistive devices when recording results, as this provides important context for interpreting scores and tracking changes over time.

What's the difference between the AAHPERD and 8-Foot Up and Go tests?

The AAHPERD agility test uses a 31-foot course with two complete circuits (right and left), while the 8-Foot Up and Go uses an 8-foot course with a single round trip. The AAHPERD test is more comprehensive and demanding, providing a broader assessment of agility and endurance. The 8-Foot Up and Go is quicker to administer and may be more appropriate for frailer individuals.

Is the AAHPERD test safe for all seniors?

The test is designed for community-dwelling older adults who can walk independently or with minimal assistance. It's not recommended for those with severe mobility limitations, recent falls, uncontrolled heart conditions, or severe arthritis. Always consult with a healthcare provider before testing if you have any health concerns. A physical therapist or trained fitness professional should supervise the test for safety.

How can I improve my AAHPERD agility score?

Improvement comes from consistent training 3-4 times per week. Focus on chair stands to build leg strength, practice standing balance exercises, work on directional changes and walking speed, and consider group fitness classes designed for seniors. Most individuals see measurable improvement in 8-12 weeks with regular practice. Consider working with a physical therapist for personalized programming.

Does a slow agility score mean I will fall?

A slower score indicates elevated fall risk, but it doesn't guarantee you will fall. The test identifies individuals who would benefit from fall prevention interventions. With appropriate training and environmental modifications, you can significantly reduce your fall risk even if your current score is below average. The score is a tool for identifying needs, not a prediction of outcomes.

References

  1. Osness, W.H., et al. (1990). Functional Fitness Assessment for Adults Over 60 Years. American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Reston, VA.
  2. Shaulis, D., Golding, L.A., & Tandy, R.D. (1994). Reliability of the AAHPERD functional fitness assessment across multiple practice sessions in older men and women. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 2(3), 273-279.
  3. Benedetti, T.R., et al. (2014). Adaptation of the AAHPERD test battery for institutionalized older adults. Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria & Desempenho Humano, 16(1), 1-14.
  4. Yaguchi, K., Furutani, M., & Idemoto, T. (1996). An applicability study of the AAHPERD's functional fitness test for elderly American adults to elderly Japanese adults. Journal of the Anthropological Society of Nippon, 104(4), 245-267.
  5. Rose, D., Jones, C., & Lucchese, N. (2002). Predicting the probability of falls in community-residing older adults using the 8-foot up-and-go: A new measure of functional mobility. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 10(4), 466-475.

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