by John C. Griffin, MSc.
Functional mobility means being able to do the things we need to do in normal daily life efficiently and without undue fatigue or pain. Good functional mobility is part of a healthy, safe, and active life.
This is our second posting on functional mobility. In each posting, we offer you a screening test that helps you identify problems with functional mobility. Then we show you how to use your findings to design exercises for yourself that will improve your functional mobility. (See Simple Exercises — Part 1)
In this test, we will focus on locomotor activities -- how you move, how well you can change directions, and what your balance is like while moving. This is important for things like:
Caution: If you have significant pain or increasing pain with any test or exercise, you should stop and get advice from a health care provider.
Score 2 if you were able to do all of these things:
Score 1 if you did any of these things:
Score 0 if:
1-5
6
7
8
Now let’s focus on an exercise for the mobility needs that you may have if you scored 0 or 1 in the Pivot & Walk Test. This exercise will improve the strength, stability and balance needed for confident or more difficult walking.
About the Author:
John C. Griffin, MSc., was a professor in the Fitness and Lifestyle Management Program at George Brown College in Toronto for 37 years. As a private consultant, speaker, coach, and writer for public and private sector organizations, John has authored more than 60 publications, numerous manuals, and a textbook published by Human Kinetics, Client-Centered Exercise Prescription. Right now John is doing research on the functional mobility of adults 50-70 years of age.