Section 1 — What to Wear

Section 2 — Before Your Assessment

Please try to:

• Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 12 hours beforehand.

• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand.

• Avoid a large meal for approximately 2–3 hours beforehand. A light meal is fine if needed.

• Maintain your normal hydration. Do not deliberately dehydrate or drink an unusually large amount immediately before your appointment.

• Use the bathroom shortly before the assessment where possible.

• Do not apply moisturiser, body oil or fake tan on the day of the assessment.

• Remove jewellery where possible.

Section 3 — What to Expect

Your assessment may include:

• Height and weight

• Body circumferences

• Bone breadth measurements

• Skinfold measurements

• Body composition analysis

• Handgrip strength

• 30-Second Chair Stand

• Single-Leg Heel-Rise Endurance

Together, these measurements help us assess body fat, muscle, strength and physical function, rather than relying on body weight alone.

Appropriate physical contact is required for some measurements and temporary skin marking may be used to identify measurement sites.

Your comfort is important. You may ask to pause or stop the assessment at any time.

Section 3b — Functional Strength & Endurance Assessment

Your assessment may also include several simple functional tests. These help us understand not only how much muscle you have, but how well your muscles are functioning in everyday activities.

These tests are used to establish your baseline and may be repeated at future assessments to monitor changes in strength, endurance and physical function.

1. Handgrip Strength Test

Handgrip strength provides a simple measure of functional muscle strength.

You will be seated with your feet supported and asked to squeeze a handheld dynamometer as strongly as you can for approximately 3 seconds. Both hands may be assessed.

2. 30-Second Chair Stand Test

This test assesses lower-body strength and muscular endurance.

You will sit on a standard chair with your arms crossed and be asked to stand up fully and sit back down as many times as you comfortably can within 30 seconds.

Your dietitian will remain nearby where appropriate for safety.

3. Single-Leg Heel-Rise Endurance Test

This test assesses calf muscle strength-endurance and can also help identify differences between the right and left sides.

You will stand on one leg with light fingertip support and repeatedly raise and lower your heel while maintaining good technique.

Each leg may be assessed separately.

These tests are not competitive.

The aim is to establish your individual baseline. Your results may be compared with your own future results to help monitor progress in muscle strength, endurance and physical function.

Before Functional Testing

Your dietitian may modify, postpone or omit a test if it is not appropriate or safe for you on the day.

Functional Test Acknowledgement

Section 4 — Please Tell Us Before Your Appointment

If you are unsure whether the assessment is appropriate for you, please contact your dietitian before your appointment.

Section 5 — Preparation Acknowledgement

Questions before your appointment?

Please contact: Alyssa Wan (APD)

alyssa.wan@newconceptnutritionau.com