What is the importance of physical fitness?

• Modern lifestyle is imposing a serious risk to the maintenance of physical fitness.
• Lack of physical fitness has been known to be a baseline risk factor for many illnesses.
• Improving physical fitness is not a luxury but a dire need of an hour.
• People with several medical conditions need specific exercise regime that is not only safe but also effective.

Why should you assess physical fitness?

• Assessing physical fitness objectively helps to understand the weak areas better and it can be addressed through specific exercise programs.
• Many of the physical fitness parameters are also linked with functional daily activities which helps to understand the link between physical fitness and functional fitness.

How to assess physical fitness?

• There are several tests available to assess one’s physical fitness. No single test or test group is perfect.
• At BILD Exercise Clinic, we have combined a research-based battery of tests called the Health-Related Physical Fitness Assessment Test (HRPF Test).
• Hundreds of people have undergone physical fitness tests with us so far.

Is there any scientific literature related to the HRPF test findings?

• Yes, our team has published an international paper in a peer-reviewed, indexed research journal.

Title of research paper – A multidimensional functional fitness score has a stronger association with type 2 diabetes than obesity parameters in cross-sectional data

Download the PDF of the full-text paper – click here.

• Our research poster got first prize at the international conference of the Geriatric Society of India.

Which physical fitness parameters the HRPF test tries to asses? 

• Hand grip strength
• Explosive lower body strength
• Agility
• Lung capacity
• Abdominal (core) muscle strength 
• Balancing ability
• Shoulder flexibility
• Lower back and inner thigh flexibility
• Hand-eye coordination

How to prepare for the HRPF test?

• Eat light at least an hour before. Take your usual medications.
• Carry exercise clothes such as track pants and a T-shirt. Changing rooms and toilets are available.
• Carry a cotton napkin.
• Water is available but you can carry your water bottle.
• You can carry fruit, biscuits, sweets etc. if you feel hungry or low in energy during or after the test.

What happens during the HRPF test?

• First, you will be asked to read and sign the consent and waiver of liability document before starting the HRPF test.
• Depending upon the availability either male or female staff will conduct the test.
• At the start of the test, your basic information (name, MRD, gender, handedness, age in completed years & birth date) will be recorded.
• The following anthropometric parameters will be recorded-

height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, Sagittal abdominal diameter (standard, inflated, deflated), palm length, leg length etc.

• Several physical tasks are given to perform during the test and based on the performance the marks are allotted. To avoid the benefit of learning and practising the tasks we are not giving a detailed account of physical tasks here. A list of physical tasks will be provided to you in the consent and waiver of liability document before the HRPF test.
• Based on the best scores achieved by you the doctor provides guidance for exercise planning for improving fitness. 

What is your responsibility before and during the HRPF test?

• You should report any pain to the trainer while performing any test.
• Make sure you have understood the test protocol properly. Ask queries related to test protocol to a trainer.

How much time is usually taken to finish the HRPF test?

It usually takes 35 to 40 minutes to finish the test. It is also dependent on the speed with which the test is performed by you. Also depending upon other time taken by previous patient/participant this time may vary. The test duration may increase if two participants have been enrolled for the test together.

What happens after the HRPF test is done?

• You will be given an appointment for a discussion of the report by the doctor.
• During the report discussion, the doctor explains the outcomes of the report and the different scores achieved by you for various tests performed.
• You should ask queries during the report discussions.
• The doctor will briefly inquire about your medical and surgical history.
• If you wish to join the fitness program at BILD Exercise Clinic then the doctor will briefly explain the fitness program.

How to prepare for the HRPF report discussion with the doctor?

• Bring all the previous reports, investigations, and medication prescriptions. It is NOT necessary to have investigations or tests to be done before.
• Write down all your questions on paper or on a mobile phone that you want to ask the doctor.
• It is always useful to bring a companion with you during consultation.

How to join BILD Exercise Clinic fitness program after the HRPF test?

• Meet the reception.
• Subscribe to the exercise program.
• Read the policy document for rules, regulations and safe exercise instructions.
• Get your exercise program from us.
• Our trainers will teach you the exercises.
• Start exercising at BILD Exercise Clinic.

Is it compulsory to perform the HRPF test before joining the exercise program?

Yes, for almost all patients/participants HRPF test is mandatory to asses physical fitness before joining the exercise program at BILD Exercise Clinic.

It helps to understand your baseline physical fitness levels.

Is it compulsory to join BILD Exercise Clinic exercise program after the HRPF test?

No, it is not compulsory.

You can just discuss the report of the HRPF test with the doctor. The doctor will guide you in the general planning of your exercise regime. The detailed exercise program is not provided if you are not joining the BILD Exercise Clinic.

However, we recommend doing at least few initial sessions with us. Later you can shift to any gym near your house if you want.

How to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital?

• Reach the Super Speciality Building (SS building/new building) lobby/main entrance before time. Wheelchairs are available in the lobby and parking for needy patients. Click here for the Google map location of BILD Exercise Clinic.
• Parking is available based on availability. You can prefer public transport such as bus, auto-rickshaw, cab or taxi.
• If you are not registered as a patient and appearing for the first time as a patient at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital then try to come at least 15 minutes before the appointment time to complete the simple registration process at the ground floor reception of the super specialty building.
• Get an OPD entry pass (for patients) and an attendant pass at the ground-floor reception.
• Choose appropriate lifts (life no.1,2,3 ) at the ground floor to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD on the 11th floor.
• Depending upon patient numbers some waiting period is expected. Comfortable sitting, clean drinking water, a book reading section, clean toilets, changing rooms, and a cafeteria (on the ground floor and seventh floor) are available at your service.