A Virtual Versus In-Person Comparison of the Senior Fitness Test: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Purpose: The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) is a validated tool for examining older adults' mobility, strength, and flexibility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when in-person training facilities were closed, there was a need for effective virtual options for assessments, including the SFT. The purpose of this study was to compare the validated SFT conducted in person versus an online virtual setting. Method: A virtual modified version of the SFT was compared to the modified in-person validated SFT. Community-dwelling older adults were randomly assigned, using a random number generator, to start in either the in-person or virtual modified SFT mode of delivery. After completion of the first mode of delivery (i.e., either in-person or virtual), participants completed the second mode of delivery. Results: Forty participants (50% women; mean age 72 [SD 4] years) showed no differences between the in-person and virtual delivery measurements in the 2-minute step (in person mean 87.9 [SD 18.5]; virtual mean 87.2 [SD 20.7]; p = 0.65), 30-second arm curl (in person mean 16.9 [SD 4]; virtual mean 16.5 [SD 4]; p = 0.43), 30-second chair stand in person mean 15.6 [SD 5]; virtual mean 15.2 [SD 4]; p = 0.36), and chair sit and reach (in person mean 1.2 [SD 15]; virtual mean 4.2 [SD 11]; p = 0.06). Conclusions: Performing the modified SFT in a virtual setting may be a useful delivery mode for seniors and health care professionals if in-person testing is not viable.