Medical-Fitness Technician
Certification Course
Part C: Assessing Medical-Fitness
Learning Modules: 25-34
Learning Module 32:
Core 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 Leg-Raise Test
  • Calculate the Core Muscle Fitness Score
The Leg-Raise Test is used to assess Core Muscle Strength, which is a 2-minute AMRAP (as many reps as possible) during which your client performs as many lying leg-raises as possible (to the best of his/her ability) until the time runs out.

The lying leg-raise is a core exercise that mainly targets the Rectus Abdominis and Psoas Major & Iliacus muscles (aka: Iliopsoas). ​
Know how to do a Leg-Raise.
​(Watch the video below on Youtube.)
​Leg-Raise Instructions:
  • Sit on the floor with your legs together and straight.
  • Place your hands behind (underneath) or lateral to your hips.
  • Lie back into the supine position.
  • Your hands may be either flat under the hips or to the side (whichever is more comfortable).
  • Start by hovering your feet just above the floor.
  • Lift your legs by flexing your thighs while keeping your legs (knees) straight.
  • Stop flexing your thighs when your legs are straight up, perpendicular to the floor (90 degrees).
  • Return to the starting position by lowering your legs.
  • Complete when feet nearly reach the floor in the hovering position.

Explain the testing procedure to your client:​​
  • Your Core Strength Test is a 2-minute Leg-Raise 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 Leg-Raise.
  • 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.
  • I will announce the Total number of Leg-Raises that you did during the 2 minutes.
  • If most of your Leg-Raises 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 Leg-Raise movement.
  • Confirm that your client understands the Leg-Raise 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 2-minute timer when your client begins doing his/her first Leg-Raise.
  • Observe your client at all times and check his/her body movements.
  • Especially note the position of his/her legs in relation to the floor.
  • Count out loud each completed Leg-Raise (>30 degrees) from the lying position.
  • Say "No Rep" if a Leg-Raise 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 Leg-Raise when the Timer stops (alarms).
  • Record the Total number of completed Leg-Raises during the 2-minute test.
  • Assign a Grade for the position-consistency of your client's Leg-Raises.
​
Grade by the degrees of hip 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 Leg-Raises by 60 and then multiply that number by 100.
  • Round off to the first decimal.
  • Example: Total Reps = 43 leg-raises. (43 / 60) x 100 = 71.66 = 71.7 (Raw Rep Score)
  • Grade the position-consistency of your client's Leg-Raises:
  • --  A = Consistently raised their straight legs to the perpendicular (90 degrees or more) position and returned their feet to hover just above the floor.
  • --  B = More consistently raised their almost straight legs to the 75-90 degree position and usually returned their feet to hover fairly close to or lightly touch the floor.
  • --  C = More consistently raised their almost straight legs to the 45-75 degree position and returned their feet to hover well above or touching the floor.
  • --  D = More consistently raised their significantly bent legs to the 30-45 degree position and returned their feet to hover well above or touching the floor.
  • Adjust your client's Raw Rep Score by his/her Grade to get their Core Fitness Score:
  • -- A: Raw Rep Score x 1.00 = Core Muscle Fitness Score (no deduction)
  • -- B: Raw Rep Score x 0.90 = Core Muscle Fitness Score (-10%)
  • -- C: Raw Rep Score x 0.75 = Core Muscle Fitness Score (-25%)
  • -- D: Raw Rep Score x 0.50 = Core Muscle Fitness Score (-50%)
  • Example: 71.7 Raw Rep Score with a B Grade = 71.7 x 0.90 = 64.53 = 64.5 Core Muscle Fitness Score

Core Muscle 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 Core 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.