Which of the following is an appropriate assessment for a senior client who has arthritis in her knees?
Correct Answer: C
The Rockport walk test is an appropriate submaximal cardiovascular assessment for seniors and individuals with joint issues such as arthritis in the knees. It involves a one-mile walk at the fastest comfortable pace and is used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness without requiring high-impact activity. The NASM CPT7 guidelines recommend low-impact, steady-state tests for populations with joint limitations to avoid aggravating symptoms. Tests like the YMCA 3-minute step test require repetitive stepping that can strain arthritic knees, the Davies test is a high-intensity agility/coordination drill involving upper body movement (not suited for seniors with lower body arthritis), and the Shark skill test is a dynamic balance/agility assessment with hopping-highly contraindicated for knee arthritis. The Rockport test is performed on a flat surface, minimizing joint stress while still providing valid aerobic fitness data.