Musculoskeletal fitness promotes and maintains overall health and athletic performance by an improved metabolic rate, decreased fat mass, prevention of osteoporosis, and more independence across a lifespan.  An increase in musculoskeletal fitness, in terms of athletic performance, leads to improved agility and overall enhanced athletic ability.  Musculoskeletal fitness CPAFLA protocol assessments include evaluation of muscular strength, muscular endurance, and muscular power.  Muscular strength is assessed by using a handgrip dynamometer to test a person’s handgrip strength.  Muscular endurance is commonly measured using the push-up test and partial curl-up test where an individual will complete as many repetitions as possible.  Muscular power is known as the explosiveness of a muscle and is evaluated by measuring the height of a person’s squat jump.

Musculoskeletal fitness is part of everyday life.  Carrying groceries. walking up steps, and playing sports are all examples of how musculoskeletal fitness is important.  It is needed to take on the daily tasks of life without undue fatigue and to enhance sport performance.  The longer a person is able to maintain musculoskeletal fitness, the longer they will remain an independent person in society continuing on to old age.  Below please find the results of a grip strength, push-up, and partial curl-up tests.  The scores and interpretations health benefit zones are also posted below.