Test: 6.1-m (20-ft) walk for assessing the ability to walk (Fiatarone et al. 1990; Bassey et al. 1992). Method: subject walks the course two times 1) at his/her “usual” pace and 2) as fast as possible, starting from a standstill. Outcome: performance time (sec) of the second trial (as fast as possible) measured by a stopwatch. Exclusion criteria: severe dizziness and severe symptoms of the spine, hip and knee that may be aggravated by the test.

Test: stair climb and descent for assessing the ability to climbing stairs (Salen et al. 1994). Method: subject walks up and down a standard flight of stairs (8 steps, a′ 17 cm)a first once, and if successful, then three times, using the handrail for support only if needed. Outcome: performance time (s) measured by a stopwatch from the initial standing position to the end of the third descent. Exclusion criteria: severe dizziness, severe diseases or symptoms of the spine, hip and knee that may be aggravated by the test.

Test: backwards walk to measure postural control in movement (Nelson et al. 1994) Method: subject walks backwards along a marked 6.1-m (20-ft) line with tandem steps as quickly as possible. After a 2-m practice trial the subject performs three test trials. Outcome: walking times (s) of the three test trials as measured by a stopwatch from the starting position to the end of the line. The best time is the final result. Exclusion criteria: severe dizziness, severe symptoms of the spine or lower extremities that may be aggravated by the test.

Test: trunk side-bending to the right and left for measuring the average range of motion in lateral flexion of the thoracic and lumbar spine and pelvis (Suni et al. 1996). Method: subject stands on marked lines (15 cm apart) with the back against the wall and arms and fingers straight at the sides of the body (baseline). Subject slides the middle finger along the lateral thigh to the right and then to the left as far as possible, keeping shoulders and buttocks in contact with the wall and heels in contact with the floor. The tester measures the distance between baseline and maximum slide of the middle finger tip. Outcome: the average distance (cm) between the maximal right and left side-bending range of motion measured by a cloth tape measure. Exclusion criteria: severe dizziness and severe spinal symptoms that may be aggravated by the test movement.

Test: dynamic back extension for assessing trunk extensor muscle endurance (Mälkiä 1983). Method: subject lies in a semi-inclined body position (50°) in a portable standing hyper extensorb with hips and lower legs supported and fingers crossed behind the neck. Subject raises the upper body off the table to a straight back level and returns to the starting position as quickly as he/she can. Outcome: maximum number of repetitions in 30 s. Exclusion criteria: moderate to severe diseases or symptoms of the cardiovascular system and severe spinal, hip and knee symptoms that may be aggravated by the test movement.

Test: 1-km walk for assessing submaximal aerobic capacity (Oja et al. 1991). Method: subject walks as fast as possible on a flat surface using his/her normal walking style. Outcome: walking time (min) measured by a stopwatch. Exclusion criteria: severe diseases or symptoms of the cardiovascular system, severe dizziness and severe symptoms of the spine, hip and knee that may be aggravated by the test.

Suppliers: ^aRT-88-10470, Construction standard 1992, Finland, ^bStanding Hyper Extensor, HUR Ltd., Patamäentie 4, 67100 Kokkola, Finland