Medical-Fitness Technician
Certification Course
Part C: Assessing Medical-Fitness
Learning Modules: 25-34
Learning Module 31:
Leg Muscle Fitness
Study the Learning Module and take the Quiz.
All calisthenic type exercise tests are only for participants with a BMI < 35 and otherwise fit enough to safely perform the exercises (with modification if needed). Participants with a BMI > 35 or otherwise not fit enough to perform modified calisthenic type exercises are limited to the 10-minute Aerobic Fitness Test.
Learning Objective:
  • Know how to conduct the Squat Test
  • Calculate the Leg Muscle Fitness Score
The Squat Test is used to assess Leg Muscle Strength, which is a 3-minute AMRAP (as many reps as possible) during which your client performs as many squats as possible (to the best of his/her ability) until the time runs out.

The squat exercise mainly targets the Gluteus Maximus and the Quadriceps Femoris muscles.
Know how to do a Squat.
​(Watch the video below on Youtube.)
​Squat Instructions:
  • Start in an erect standing position.
  • Feet placed shoulder-width apart.
  • Knees in line with toes.
  • Lumbar curve maintained (by keeping the chest up).
  • Hips descend backward and down.
  • Raising the arms as the hips go down may help maintain balance.
  • Hips descend lower than knees (or at least horizontal).
  • Heels remain down.
  • Return to the starting position.
  • Complete at full hip and knee extension.

Exercise Demonstration & Practice:
  • Demonstrate how to perform a squat by doing several reps, but pausing to explain the body positions.
  • Have the participant perform a squat to the best of his/her ability.
  • Your client's hips should descend only as low as it is still comfortable for him/her to stand back up.

Explain the testing procedure to your client:​​
  • Your Leg Strength Test is a 3-minute Squat AMRAP (as many reps as possible).
  • You may warm-up and then tell me when you are ready.
  • I will start the Timer when you start your first squat.
  • I will count your reps aloud, and you may count silently with me.
  • You may stop and rest if needed, but if you do, the Timer keeps running.
  • When the Timer stops (alarms), you should walk around for another minute to help your leg muscles relax and your heart rate to recover.
  • I will announce the Total number of Squats that you did during the 3 minutes.
  • If most of your Squats were not performed properly, I will assign a grade to your technique.

Test Protocol:
  • Make sure your client has a firm, level surface with plenty of space.
  • Stand several feet away from your client so that you can observe the complete Squat movement.
  • Confirm that your client understands the Squat movement and the test procedure.
  • After your client has warmed up, ask him/her to indicate when he/she is ready to begin.
  • Start a hand-held 3-minute timer when your client begins doing his/her first Squat.
  • Observe your client at all times and check his/her body movements.
  • Especially note the depth of your client's hips in relation to his/her knees.
  • Count out loud each completed Squat (30+ degrees) from the standing position.
  • Say "No Rep" if a Squat attempt is < 30 degrees, and do not count the rep.
  • Do not inform your client how much time has elapsed or remains.
  • Repeat the number of the last Squat when the Timer stops (alarms).
  • Record the Total number of completed Squats during the 3-minute test.
  • Assign a Grade for the depth-consistency of your client's Squats.

Grade by the degrees of knee flexion:
  • A = 90+
  • B = 75-89
  • C = 45-74
  • D = 30-44
  • F < 30 = No Rep

Scoring the Test Result:
  • Divide the total number of Squats by 120 and then multiply that number by 100.
  • Round off to the first decimal point.
  • Example: Total Reps = 94 squats. (94 / 120) x 100 = 78.3 (Raw Rep Score)
  • Grade the depth-consistency of your client's Squats:
  • -- A = Lowered their hips consistently to flex their knees 90 or more degrees. (Thighs parallel to the floor.)
  • -- B = Lowered their hips more consistently to flex their knees more than 75 degrees, but less than 90.
  • -- C = Lowered their hips more consistently to flex their knees more than 45 degrees, but less than 75.
  • -- D = Lowered their hips more consistently to flex their knees more than 30 degrees, but less than 45.
  • Adjust your client's Raw Rep Score by his/her Grade to get their Leg Muscle Fitness Score:
  • -- A: Raw Rep Score x 1.00 = Leg Muscle Fitness Score (no deduction)
  • -- B: Raw Rep Score x 0.90 = Leg Muscle Fitness Score (-10%)
  • -- C: Raw Rep Score x 0.75 = Leg Muscle Fitness Score (-25%)
  • -- D: Raw Rep Score x 0.50 = Leg Muscle Fitness Score (-50%)
  • Example: 78.3 Raw Fitness Score with a C Grade = 78.3 x 0.75 = 58.725 = 58.7 Leg Muscle Fitness Score

​ ​Leg Fitness Score Interpretation:​
  • Use the Score Interpretation chart below.
  • A score of 100 (or more) indicates a Very High Fitness Level in relation to health benefit.
  • A score below 100 indicates "room for improvement."
An “average” fitness level for an unfit and unhealthy population, which is at increased risk for sedentary-related chronic disease resulting in premature disability and death, is not satisfactory. A score of 100+ is an appropriate goal for most individuals, no matter how de-conditioned and unhealthy he/she might be.

Encourage all your clients with a Leg Muscle Fitness Score < 100 to try a Fitness Training Program for just 1 month and to return for a Follow-Up Medical-Fitness Assessment. If they follow your Exercise Rx (Learning Module 35), they will see significant improvement.