The Physical Functioning Index developed by the UKK Institute describes the physical functioning of Finnish adults based on measured data. It combines ten factors from body composition, physical fitness, as well as physical activity and stationary behaviour throughout the day. The new index is based on the UKK Institute’s FINFIT population study and enables the monitoring of changes in measured physical functioning over time.
Physical functioning describes an individual’s ability to manage important and meaningful daily physical tasks. It is formed by the interaction between an individual’s own resources and the demands of their environment.
Why was the index developed?
Previously, population-level data on physical functioning have been based either on self-reported information or on measured components of physical functioning. These methods have produced varying and even contradictory results regarding changes in the population’s physical functioning.
“For the first time, the new index provides measured data on adults’ physical functioning in a population study.”
— Tommi Vasankari, Director, the UKK Institute
Dozens of factors combined into a single number
The Physical Functioning Index is based on the UKK Institute’s FINFIT population study, in which body composition, physical fitness, as well as physical activity and stationary behaviour throughout the day were measured from over 5,000 participants. These areas yielded over 60 factors, of which ten were selected for the final index.
“The new index combines several measured factors of physical functioning into a single, easily interpretable number. It enables the monitoring of changes in physical functioning and provides information for health promoters, policy makers, and researchers.”
— Tommi Vasankari, Director, the UKK Institute
The components of the index reflect different dimensions of physical functioning
The Physical Functioning Index consists of the following measured factors:
Physical fitness
- Predicted maximum oxygen uptake
- Modified push-ups
Body composition
- Waist circumference
Physical activity
- Mean of daily 1-minute maximum intensity
- Daily step count
- Light physical activity relative to physical fitness
- Moderate to vigorous physical activity
Stationary behaviour
- Long bouts of lying or reclining
- Standing time
Time in bed
- Time in bed, high movement
“The index based on these measured factors is also associated with an individual’s own experience of his/her physical functioning, fitness, and work ability.”
— Pauliina Husu, Principal Researcher, the UKK Institute
The factors with the strongest influence on the overall index are waist circumference, predicted maximum oxygen uptake, and mean of daily 1-minute maximum intensity.
What are the benefits of the index?
The index is constructed so that the value describing the baseline situation is 100. Changes over time can be compared against this value. Between 2017 and 2021, the index value has declined by an average of one unit.
By measuring the same components and factors, the state of physical functioning can also be assessed in other research datasets.
“The index offers an interesting opportunity to compare the development of physical functioning over time, between different datasets, and in the future even between countries.”
— Tommi Vasankari, Director, the UKK Institute
Further information about the study
- Scientific article (preprint): The Measured Physical Functioning Index Describing Population Level Physical Ability, DOI:10.20944/preprints202511.0855.v1
- Video presenting the index (text in English): Measured Index of Physical Functioning (Vimeo)
14.1.2026