Strength Endurance Test: Arm Curl Test

The Arm Curl Test is part of the Senior Fitness Test and measures the number of arm curls completed in 30 seconds while seated. It is designed for older adults and uses standard loads, commonly 5 lb for women and 8 lb for men in the Senior Fitness Test protocol.  

Equipment Required

• Chair
• Dumbbell: 5 lb for women and 8 lb for men in standard Senior Fitness Test protocol
• Stopwatch or Measurz stopwatch
• Measurz rep counter
• Optional metronome if cadence is being standardised
• Measurz platform for reps, load, side and symptoms

Protocol

1. Client sits upright on a chair.
2. Dumbbell is held in the tested hand.
3. On “go”, complete as many full curls as possible in 30 seconds.
4. Count valid repetitions.
5. Test one or both sides depending on the assessment goal.

Scoring and Interpretation

Primary score: repetitions in 30 seconds.

Normative Data

Senior Fitness Test norms are available for adults aged approximately 60–94 years and are reported by age and sex. The test is part of the Rikli and Jones Senior Fitness Test battery.  

Practical Guide

• Compare to age- and sex-matched Senior Fitness Test norms where available.
• Use baseline and retest comparison for individuals outside senior populations.
• Record load and side tested.

Reliability and Validity

The Senior Fitness Test battery is widely used for functional fitness in older adults. The arm curl is intended to reflect upper-body functional strength endurance relevant to lifting and carrying tasks.  

Measurz / MAT Recording

Use the rep counter and stopwatch. Record load, side, reps, symptoms, cadence, compensations and retest date. Related grip or upper-limb strength can be recorded using MAT tools such as Gripper, Anker or Muscle Meter.

References

Rikli, R. E., & Jones, C. J. (2013). Senior Fitness Test Manual (2nd ed.). Human Kinetics.

Topend Sports. (n.d.). Arm curl test calculator: Senior fitness assessment.  

FitnessNorms. (n.d.). Arm curl norms by age and sex.