Arm Curl (Bicep) Test
The Arm Curl test is a test of upper body strength, and is part of the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) and the AAHPERD Functional Fitness Test, and is designed to test the functional fitness of seniors. The test involves performing as many arm curls as possible in 30 seconds, while sitting in a chair. There are slight differences between the protocols for the Senior and AAHPERD tests, such as the weight used for women. The differences are indicated below. See also the maximum bicep curl test.
test purpose: This test measures upper body strength and endurance.
equipment required: 4 pound dumbbell weight (women, AAHPERD), 5 pound weight (women, SFT), 8 pound weight (for men). A chair without armrests, stopwatch.
pre-test: 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. Ensure that the participants are adequately warmed-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: The aim of this test is to do as many arm curls as possible in 30 seconds. This test is conducted on the dominant arm side (or stronger side). The subject sits on the chair, holding the weight in the hand using a suitcase grip (palm facing towards the body) with the arm in a vertically down position beside the chair. Brace the upper arm against the body so that only the lower arm is moving (tester may assist to hold the upper arm steady). Curl the arm up through a full range of motion, gradually turning the palm up (flexion with supination). As the arm is lowered through the full range of motion, gradually return to the starting position. The arm must be fully bent and then fully straightened at the elbow. The protocol for the AAHPERD test describes the administrator's hand being placed on the biceps, and the lower arm must touch the tester's hand for a full bicep curl to be counted. Repeat this action as many times as possible within 30 seconds.
scoring: The score is the total number of controlled arm curls performed in 30 seconds. Below is a table showing some recommended ranges for this test based on age groups (from Jones & Rikli, 2002).
Men’s Results
| Age | below average | average | above average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60-64 | < 16 | 16 to 22 | > 22 |
| 65-69 | < 15 | 15 to 21 | > 21 |
| 70-74 | < 14 | 14 to 21 | > 21 |
| 75-79 | < 13 | 13 to 19 | > 19 |
| 80-84 | < 13 | 13 to 19 | > 19 |
| 85-89 | < 11 | 11 to 17 | > 17 |
| 90-94 | < 10 | 10 to 14 | > 14 |
Women’s Results
| Age | below average | average | above average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60-64 | < 13 | 13 to 19 | > 19 |
| 65-69 | < 12 | 12 to 18 | > 18 |
| 70-74 | < 12 | 12 to 17 | > 17 |
| 75-79 | < 11 | 11 to 17 | > 17 |
| 80-84 | < 10 | 10 to 16 | > 16 |
| 85-89 | < 10 | 10 to 15 | > 15 |
| 90-94 | < 8 | 8 to 13 | > 13 |
target population: the aged population which may not be able to do traditional fitness tests.
comments: It's important that the upper arm is stable throughout the test, and doesn't swing.
references:
- Anna Różańska-Kirschke, Piotr Kocur, Małgorzata Wilk, Piotr Dylewicz, The Fullerton Fitness Test as an index of fitness in the elderly, Medical Rehabilitation 2006; 10(2): 9-16.
- Jones C.J., Rikli R.E., Measuring functional fitness of older adults, The Journal on Active Aging, March April 2002, pp. 24–30.
The Test in Action
- This test is part of the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) and the AAHPERD Functional Fitness Test
Similar Tests
- See also the maximum bicep curl test which involves lifting a set weight as many times as possible.
Related Pages
- A list of other strength tests
- Read a discussion about testing the elderly
- All about the Senior Fitness Test
- Read about Fitness Testing for Specific Groups and Special Populations
Related Products
- Buy the Senior Fitness Test Manual
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