Chapter 6 Applied exercise physiology in practical situations Aims: Reasons for Testing Limitations, validity and ethics of testing Maximal and Submaximal testing
Reasons for Testing p.124 Can you think of 4!!!!
1. Start point for a programme To allow a fitness programme to be set at the correct level.
2. Establish Strengths & Weaknesses What do we compare this to? Similar population group. To a sport. Successful athletes
3. Indicator that the programme is working If there are improvements they can be seen with periodic testing. It takes a minimum of 2 weeks to see any sort of change. Normally 6 weeks between tests. Can be dependent on costs, phase in training and time available
4. Motivation Achieving goals set (SMARTER) positive and negative. Can break up training make it interesting. Provide out of season competition.
Validity & Reliability Validity = Whether the test actually measures what it claims to measure Reliability = whether the test will produce the same or similar results when the test is repeated and where there has been no change in fitness. 5% leniency 10% indicates change Accuracy of testing / Also sufficiently sensitive to detect changes in fitness. Effect of the test does not damage physically or mentally. E.g Marathon Ethics = Performer should be screened (PAR-Q) Specificity. = mimics fitness demands (movements/kit/energy systems)
Maximal vs Sub-maximal testing E.G. Multistage Fitness Test Sub-maximal E.G. Harvard Step Test Pros Athlete is tested to exhaustion so truly objective data. Rely on estimating / predicting maximum work capacity through extrapolation of results. Performer does not have to work at max levels so motivated. Cons Can depend on performers motivation to push themselves to limit. How they feel on the day. Possible injury (See ethics) Data based only estimates and predictions can produce large discrepancies in results
TIME TO DO SOME TESTS