The Pioneering Work of Dr. Roberta Rikli and Dr. Jessie Jones
The Fullerton functional test for senior citizens was developed by Dr. Roberta E. Rikli and Dr. C. Jessie Jones as part of the LifeSpan Wellness Program at California State University, Fullerton. Their work responded to a critical need for valid and reliable field-based assessment tools to evaluate the functional fitness of older adults. The test battery is specifically designed for individuals aged 60 and over and has since become a standard for assessing physical function in this population. The test's informal name, the 'Fullerton' test, comes from its place of origin at Cal State Fullerton.
Dr. Rikli is a professor of kinesiology and dean emeritus at Cal State Fullerton, with extensive experience in physical performance assessment focused on senior fitness. Dr. Jones is also a professor and chair at Cal State Fullerton, internationally known for her research in exercise science and aging. Their combined expertise led to the creation of a scientifically sound yet simple-to-administer test that evaluates key aspects of functional fitness.
The Importance of Functional Fitness for Seniors
Functional fitness is defined as the physiological capacity to perform normal, everyday activities safely and independently without excessive fatigue. As people age, a decline in functional fitness can lead to a loss of independence and a higher risk of falls. The Fullerton Functional Test helps identify these declines early on, allowing for targeted intervention and exercise programs. The tests are practical, using minimal and inexpensive equipment, and are designed to be safe and enjoyable for older adults. This focus on everyday activities, such as standing up from a chair, walking, and lifting, makes the results directly relevant to a person's quality of life.
Components of the Fullerton Functional Test Battery
The full test battery includes several components, each measuring a specific aspect of functional fitness. These include measures of strength, aerobic endurance, flexibility, and agility/dynamic balance. The tests were developed based on extensive research and validated with normative data from thousands of older adults, providing a benchmark for comparison. The standard components are:
- 30-Second Chair Stand Test: Measures lower-body strength and endurance, reflecting a person's ability to get up from a chair or climb stairs.
- 30-Second Arm Curl Test: Assesses upper-body strength and endurance, relevant for carrying groceries or lifting objects.
- Chair Sit-and-Reach Test: Measures lower-body flexibility, important for bending and reaching.
- Back Scratch Test: Measures upper-body flexibility, useful for tasks like reaching to a high shelf or fastening clothing.
- 8-Foot Up-and-Go Test: Measures agility, speed, and dynamic balance, simulating the ability to stand up, walk, turn, and sit down safely.
- 6-Minute Walk Test or 2-Minute Step-in-Place Test: Measures aerobic endurance, necessary for sustained walking and daily tasks.
The Impact and Legacy of Rikli and Jones
The work of Rikli and Jones has had a profound impact on the field of senior health and wellness. Their test battery provided a much-needed, standardized tool for healthcare professionals and fitness instructors to use in clinical and community settings. Before the development of the Senior Fitness Test, there was a gap in accessible and validated assessment methods specifically for older adults. The ease of administration and reliance on common activities made it a significant improvement over more complex, lab-based tests. By providing normative data for various age groups, Rikli and Jones made it possible to track individual progress and compare results to a large population. This evidence-based approach helps personalize exercise interventions and effectively evaluate their impact over time. Their contributions continue to support healthy aging and independence for older adults around the world. A detailed overview of their seminal work can be found in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity.
Comparison of the Fullerton Test and other Functional Assessments
| Feature | Fullerton Functional Test (Rikli & Jones) | Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test | Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developers | Roberta E. Rikli & C. Jessie Jones | Podsiadlo & Richardson [Search Needed] | Guralnik et al. [Search Needed] |
| Key Focus | Comprehensive functional fitness (strength, endurance, flexibility, agility) | Dynamic balance and mobility [Search Needed] | Lower extremity function (balance, strength, gait speed) [Search Needed] |
| Components | 6 standardized items | Single timed task (stand, walk, turn, sit) [Search Needed] | 3 components (balance, gait speed, chair stand) [Search Needed] |
| Equipment | Minimal, inexpensive equipment (chair, weights) | Standard chair, stopwatch, tape measure [Search Needed] | Standard chair, stopwatch, marked course [Search Needed] |
| Target Population | Community-dwelling older adults (60-94 years) | Broad range of older adults [Search Needed] | Community-dwelling older adults [Search Needed] |
| Administration | Multiple items, 10-15 minutes | Single item, <1 minute [Search Needed] | Multiple items, 5-10 minutes [Search Needed] |
Conclusion
The Fullerton functional test, developed by Dr. Roberta E. Rikli and Dr. C. Jessie Jones, represents a significant contribution to the field of gerontology and physical education. Its creation provided a practical, safe, and scientifically valid method for assessing the functional fitness of older adults, shifting the focus towards evaluating a person's ability to perform daily activities. By standardizing this assessment and providing normative data, Rikli and Jones empowered health and wellness professionals to design more effective and personalized exercise programs. The test's legacy lies in its role as a key tool for promoting healthy aging and maintaining independence in the senior population worldwide.
