Increased range of motion (ROM) from the chair sit and reach test primarily benefits which activity?

Increased range of motion (ROM) from the chair sit and reach test primarily benefits daily living tasks. This test is designed to measure flexibility, particularly in the lower back and hamstring muscles, which is crucial for performing everyday activities. As people age, maintaining flexibility can help them bend, reach, and perform routine functions such as tying shoes, picking up objects from the floor, and entering or exiting a car more easily.

While weight lifting, competitive sports, and cardiovascular exercise all have their own benefits related to flexibility, the specific improvements measured by the chair sit and reach test primarily support functional independence in daily life. These activities often require a different type of physical capability that might not directly correlate with the flexibility gains assessed by this particular test. Therefore, the emphasis on enhanced ease of performing daily living tasks makes it clear why this is the most appropriate answer.