Hi.
My name is Kelly Booner.
and I'm an information specialist with NCHPAD.
today we'll be discussing modifications and adaptations to Alabama
physical fitness assessment test.
Have you ever played or seen someone play those minute to win it games?
sometimes the task seems completely impossible.
like trying to balance two golf balls on top of each other.
but sometimes all you need to know is the right strategy.
Well the same can be said for adapting fitness testing.
The task may seem impossible.
Like finding an arobic functioning test
for a student who can only use their head.
but with the right strategy and the know how
it certainly is obtainable.
Today I'm going to show you some different ways
to adapt the test.
but this certainly isn't an exhaustive list.
You know your students best.
So, I challenge you to get creative and think outside the box.
So, you can test each and every one of your students.
And remember
It is important to note with adaptations there are no standards available
when recording data it is imperative that you keep excellent records
of the tests conducted
for a given fitness component
So that the test can be
re-administered at the end of the year.
and compared to their pre assessment records.
Let's start with the one-mile run.
For visually impaired runners provide a guide runner and rope.
The tether is held in the hand of the guide with
student with the visual impairment
encourage the guide runner to keep the pace of the student runner.
a peer assisted run.
is to have another student or aid run beside a runner that needs continual reminders
or direction while running to encourage a constant speed.
Allow the student who uses a wheelchair
to perform the test
in a ball chair or racing chair.
Have the student perform the full distance
whenever possible
make sure that the courses is on a level hard surface
if any student can't complete the entire distance
have them run or push a predetermined distance.
and measure for time.
If a student uses a power chair, but has
appropriate functional capabilities
allow them to go predetermined distance
using a scooter board or any other means.
provide a student with an arm bike or hand crank to complete the test.
Allow students to use any continuous
movement possible.
For example
Arm jacks, arm circles
whatever they can do.
Measure the time in movement continuously sustained.
For students with very limited function.
Allow them to perform a breath test.
for example you could see how far they can blow a ping pong ball
Another option is to provide a slalom course for students who use a power chair.
It is important to note though just because a student uses a power chair
doesn't necessarily mean that they should not complete the given test.
Studies have shown heart rate increases for individuals who are power chair users
when completing a given course.
So the main concern should be battery power and effectiveness and the testing
Moving on to the Pacer test.
Try to modify as little as possible.
the object is to maintain the integrity of the test always.
You can provide visual cues such as signs, arrows, blinking lights
or interpreters for students with a hearing impairment.
or you can provide a demonstrated or audible cadence
from an adult or para educator for students who easily stray off task.
Allow them to perform a task with the student.
This may also include hand-holding
our a little guided push whenever necessary.
Provided a guide rope and guide runner for students with a visual impairment.
You can allow the student to have the increased time to reach the line
or modify the requirement for the cadence.
You can modify the course for students who use a wheelchair.
If they have trouble with that 180 degree turn
allow them to make 90 degree turns instead.
You can allow students to use an alternate means of locomotion.
Which can include but not limited to scooter boards, crawling, rolling, scooting
anyway and then get across it.
Allow students to use their mobility device
such as a wheelchair, walker, gait trainer or crunches.
Allow the student to perform any movement for a given time at an increase cadence.
You can use arm circles or arm jacks for this as well.
the next section we will cover is muscular strength
and specifically the push up test.
Here are some of the modifications
Allow for proper positioning with only partial lowering of the body.
Allow for a modified cadence.
Allow for students to perform pushups
from their knees.
You can also allow students to perform a plank.
whenever a push-up is not possible.
For students with partial or no function in their lower body.
allowed them to perform the push-up off the edge of a mat.
Require the student to go as far off the mat as they are capable of.
allow the student to do a wall push-up
Allow for a student to do a chair push-up
using the arms of his wheel chair or stationary chair.
You can also allow for a student to perform a chest press motion
with either exercise bands are lying in the supine position
with hand weights
When testing abdominal strength here are some of the modifications.
Allow for an assistant to hold the feet down.
You can allow for their hands to slide down their thighs
or you can also allow them to perform a smaller range of motion.
You can allow for students to perform a negative sit-up.
or you can allow for an assisted pull to initiate movement
such as a medicine ball or para educator.
This is helpful for students who have limited abdominal of function.
You can also allow for a modified cadence.
You can allow for a visual or tactile cues for hand placement.
And finally you can Allow for a rocking motion, performed by holding on to the knees
in leaning back and forth.
You can allow students to hold a para educators hand or stick to provide assistance whenever necessary.
Provide an incline wedge or mat for added support behind the student if necessary.
Allow the student to perform a crutch.
from their wheelchair only if the student is unable
to safely transfer out on their chair.
Alternative abdominal exercises
to used with students with little or no abdominal function
can include walkouts, rollouts, figure eights
maintaining balance on an exercise ball or anything you think that will work
The final section is flexibility.
Here's some of the modifications you can use when administering a flexibility test.
Allow the student to begin with an easy distance such as
touching your knees
and gradually increase that distance.
Allow the student to hold the position for a shorter amount of time.
rest and then repeat the move.
You can place tape marks on the student legs to serve as a visual or tactile goal.
You can measure the maximal range in motion using a ruler measuring tape for
for forward trunk bend.
trunk rotation or the height of the arm.
Be sure to provide a measure of flexibility
that is pertinent to the students functional capabilities
For example, a student with a spinal cord injury and little to no function in their
hamstring should perform in upper body flexibility test instead.
For a student who is unable to transfer out of their wheelchair
have the student reach down the side of their chair as far as possible.
Compare both the left and the right sides.
One final note.
If you're nervous about getting that student out of his or her wheelchair
don't be.
First thing to do is ask the student. They always know best
and more than likely, they get out of that chair and least once or twice a day.
So, ask them how they do it.
If not you can always consult their parent or
medical professional
that's familiar with their case.
It may also state it on their IEP
but be sure to ask the student first because they may have an easy quick way to do it.
On our website you can access any resources that you might need
you can also contact us through our live chat and ask any questions that you
might still have about how to adapt something
So, feel free to check that out.
We appreciate you watching.
Thanks.