2.3. Virtual Assessment Process
CREST, STAGGERED
Participants were virtually assessed via Zoom by different members of the research team than those who completed the in-person assessments in the same order that assessments were completed in the in-person format. Height and weight were not measured virtually. Researchers utilized the same commonly used, validated assessments listed above to an online administration at the start of COVID-19 with minimal disruption. Each assessment session lasted approximately 60 min in duration. Prior to the virtual assessment, participants were emailed standardized instructions, including equipment needed for the assessments and setup instructions detailing directions for each assessment. Participants were mailed a testing kit, which included a tape measure to accurately measure the distance for the 8 Foot Up-and-Go Test and to measure the midpoint of thigh for the 2 min Step Test, and two resistance bands to perform the 30-Second Arm Curl Test in case dumbbells were not available. At the beginning of the assessment, the assessor ensured proper positioning of the computer and camera, including lighting and sound, and then surveyed the space for trip hazards, ensuring a safe environment for the assessment and for the fitness program. The computer video was positioned so that the assessor could observe the participant performing the full range of motion for each movement, count the number of repetitions and/or keep time, and ensure participant safety. Demonstrations of the movements were performed by the assessor when the assessments were not performed correctly. Participants began the virtual assessment by being guided by a trained assessor on the research team through the SPPB balance tasks (1 trial for feet together), staggered stance (1 right-foot-forward and 1 left-foot-forward trial) and tandem stance conditions (1 right-foot-forward and 1 left-foot-forward trial), 30 Second Chair Stand Test (1 trial), 8 Foot Up-and-Go Test (Single Task—2 trials), 8 Foot Up-and-Go Test (Dual Task—1 trial), and 30 s Arm Curl Test (1 trial), where females were encouraged to use a 5 lb dumbbell and males an 8 lb dumbbell. If dumbbells were not present, a resistance band of light or medium resistance was used. Lastly, participants completed the 2 min Step Test (1 trial). Vital signs were not performed during this test. This test required participants to find a space in the house in front of a wall or door where they had enough room to march in place. Using detailed instructions, including pictures, and with oversight from the assessor on camera to confirm proper measurement while on camera, the participant measured the midpoint of their thigh, half way between the top of their iliac crest and the middle of the patella. A piece of tape was placed on the participant’s thigh, indicating the midpoint. Then, the participant walked over the flat surface (wall or door), placing the thigh with the piece of tape nearest to the surface. The participant then transferred the piece of tape from their thigh to the wall at the same height indicating the midpoint of the participant’s thigh and the height at which to lift the knee during the assessment. The assessor used a handheld counter to count the number of times the right knee was lifted to the height of the tape mark during the two minutes. Additional assessment details can be found in 