ABSTRACT
Physical health and functional capacity are responsive to exercise and physical activity. To demonstrate the magnitude of change, it is important to conduct appropriate measurements. Clinical biomarkers of health (blood pressure, heart rate variability, endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance) can be reliably measured at rest and in some cases during exercise to monitor the physiological response to exercise. In addition to biomarkers of health, physical and functional capacity should be evaluated using a variety of reliable measures. Muscle strength and power measured by maximum number of repetitions, walking velocity and stair climbing are all important predictors of health, fitness and functional ability. Along with muscle strength and power, mobility, including joint range of motion, is important to allow appropriate muscle function. As muscle strength is associated with both functional fitness and clinical health, health and fitness professionals should consistently perform evaluations of muscle function.
