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Continuum of Physical Function

International Council on Active Aging®

Continuum of Physical Function

The ICAA has developed the continuum of physical function which represents a spectrum of health, ranging from frailty and dependency to high-level athletic performance. It categorizes individuals by their ability to perform daily activities, with levels typically spanning from those needing total assistance to those who are active, fit, and elite. This model helps to guide exercise interventions to improve independence, manage chronic conditions, and build physical reserves.

What Level are You?

Athlete

Fitness: Exercises or participates in sports activities almost every day or works at a physically demanding job.

Goals: Maintain or improve fitness level

Needs: Exercise that builds physical reserves & provides conditioning for improving performance in competition or in strenuous vocational and/or recreational activities.

Program: General conditioning in muscular strength, endurance & flexibility; agility; cardiovascular endurance. Sport or activity-specific conditioning.

Needs a little help

Fitness: Engages in physical activity three or fewer times per week. May have medical conditions & movement limitations.

Goals: Regain strength & balance; improve function & mobility; improve medical conditions.

Needs: Movement that helps maintain or improve physical function for basic self-care (Activities of Daily Living), such as strength, range of motion, balance & coordination.

Programs: Improve hand strength & agility, arm strength, shoulder & hip range of motion, quadriceps & shin muscles strength, & ankle strength & range of motion.

Active Now

Fitness: Exercises at least twice a week & engages in physical activity most days of the week.

Goals: Maintain or improve fitness level; manage weight; improve conditions such as osteoarthritis or diabetes.

Needs: Exercise that helps build physical reserves & maintain the level of fitness to live an active, independent lifestyle.

Program: Concentrate on muscular strength, endurance & flexibility; joint range of motion, balance, coordination, agility & cardiovascular endurance.

Where are you today?

Where do you want to be 5-years from today?

Getting Started

Fitness: Engages in physical activity at least 3 times a week.

Goals: To live independently; manage weight; improve conditions such as arthritis or diabetes.

Needs: Exercise that helps improve physical function & develops fitness & health reserves.

Program: Focus on increasing & building reserve in muscular strength, endurance & flexibility, joint range of motion, balance, coordination & cardiovascular endurance.

Needs ongoing assistance

Fitness: Does not engage in physical activity

Goals: Improve ability to perform activities of daily living.

Needs: Movement that helps maintain or improve physical function for basic self-care, including self-feeding, bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring and walking.

Program: Concengrate on activities that improve strength, range of motion, balance & coordination.