The Fullerton Fitness Test as an index of fitness in the elderly Test Fullerton jako miernik sprawności fizycznej osób starszych

General fitness establishes the quality of life, but it often decreases with age. Therefore, it becomes vital to find out a method of evaluationof individual fitness level and to design a targeted exercise programme. Assessment tools used hitherto, i.e. the Katz index, the Lawton scale, the Barthel index or the Eurofit tests for adults conducted using cycloergometer, have not met the expectations of researchers and practitioners. Physical fitness parameters such as strentgth, flexibility, coordination and endurance cannot be determined using these tools. They do not specify fitness parameters like strength and muscular endurance, mobility, dexterity, speed, body balance, motor coordination, reaction time, flexibility…. All these parameters can be measured by the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test, invented by Roberta E. Rikli and C. Jessie Jones in the Lifespan Wellness Clinic at California State University in Fullerton. It uses 6 items to assess these parameters. Because of limitations resulting from age and coexisting diseases, it is required that some easy and safe motor patterns are used that should be based on everyday-day activities. It is safe for the adults, requires minimal equipment and can measure small unit changes. It is suitable even for patients with cardiovascular disease. If performed both before and after an individualized training, it enables identification of a problem, providing a targeted intervention programme and evaluation of its effects.