# Comparison of Fitness and Physical Activity Levels of Obese People with Hypertension
## 2 Materials and Methods
### Physical Fitness  
Functional fitness was assessed using seven selected trials (the fitness test). No standardised tool for the measurement of functional fitness of persons with obesity was found in the literature. In order to ensure the health and safety of participants, the authors of the test decided to perform two trials from the Senior Fitness Test (30-s chair stand test and 2-min step-in-place test) [33], two trials from the EUROFIT test battery (handgrip strength test and sit-and-reach test) [34], and three complementary trials (one leg stand test, wall squat test, plank test). The suggested battery of tests measures basic physical parameters related to the ability to function and perform everyday activities. By performing tasks relating to walking, climbing the stairs, or getting up, it specifies the resources of strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. The selection of the most suitable, reliable, and accurate tests was preceded by an analysis of various scientific research papers that allowed us to examine what was considered the most important in assessing the fitness of obese people considering their health constraints and restrictions. The selected ones were chosen as the most accurate and reliable for this specific group of subjects. Additionally, in all tests the safety of participants was our priority and all tests were conducted in the presence of medical staff and assistants.  
The fitness test:  
1. 30-s chair stand test--tested lower body strength [33];
2. handgrip strength test--measured the maximum isometric strength of the hand and forearm muscles with a Lafayette Hand Dynamometer (Lafayette Instrument Company, Lafayette, Indiana) [34];
3. sit-and-reach test--measured the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring muscles with a box. The starting position was sitting with the lower extremities straight and the knee joints not bent. The task was to perform a maximum bend and reach as far towards the feet as possible. The participant was to reach and maintain this position for 1-2 s while the distance was recorded [34];
4. one leg stand test--a balance test--the participant was standing with their legs together, their tose forward, and their arms alongside, but not touching, the body. Then, the participant lifted one leg until the thigh and lower leg were at a 90-degree angle. The participant tried to maintain this position for 30 s. This was followed by a test of the other lower extremity [35];
5. plank test (prone bridge test)--a test of core muscle strength and stability. The test involves maintaining a position on forearms and toes, with the whole body lifted above the floor in one line. The result of the test was the number of seconds for which the correct position was maintained [36];
6. wall squat test--tested lower body muscular strength and endurance. The participant leaned on the wall with their feet placed at shoulder width, bent the knees at a 90-degree angle, and attempted to maintain this position for 30 s. The results of the test were the number of seconds for which the correct position was maintained [37];
7. 2-min step-in-place test (an alternative to the 6-min march test) [33]--an exercise tolerance assessment. The patient starts marching in place with their right leg, raising their legs alternately to an individually set height (mid-thigh) as fast as possible. To help keep balance, leaning against a wall, a chair, or a table is allowed. The final result is the number of right leg raises completed in 2 min [38].  
The fitness test was performed with each patient individually by trained personnel in a specially prepared room for physiotherapeutic care. For the test, a hand dynamometer (Lafayette Digital Hand Dynamometer) was used, and a sit-and-reach box was used to measure flexibility when sitting. Flexibility was measured to the nearest 0.5 cm.