What type of measurement is typically included in the SFT?

Functional reach is a critical measurement included in the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) because it specifically assesses balance and stability, which are vital for older adults to prevent falls and maintain independence. The test measures how far an individual can reach forward while standing without losing balance. This capability is an important indicator of a senior's safety and functional mobility in everyday activities.

Focusing on functional reach allows practitioners to gain insight into a person's risk of falls and the effectiveness of their balance-related training or interventions. It reflects an individual's overall functional fitness, essential for ensuring safety and confidence in movement.

In contrast, body mass index, bone density, and cholesterol levels, while relevant to overall health assessments, do not directly evaluate functional abilities in the context of mobility and balance, which is the primary focus of the SFT. These other measurements provide important health information but do not measure the functional capabilities necessary for older adults to perform daily activities safely.