Fitness Assessment #3

What you need to know.. Reasons for fitness testing Criteria for selecting fitness tests Norm and criterion referenced standards Pre-test procedures Fitness tests How to develop a fitness test battery

Introduction Fitness assessment/fitness testing measures an individuals physiological responses to exercise in a controlled environment Fitness levels can be assessed in the different fitness components using specific tests

Reasons for fitness testing (rationale) Identifying specific attributes May help coach/athlete to choose sport/event/position Identifying strengths and weaknesses Helps to design an individuals training program Monitoring progress Regular fitness testing needed to assess effectiveness of training program Providing motivation and incentive - Helps to continue training and strive for improvement

Questions Identify three reasons for testing the fitness of athletes?

Criteria for selecting Fitness Testing There are many tests available to assess each fitness components It is important to select tests carefully and the following criteria can be used Relevance and specificity Validity and reliability Interpretable and comparable results

Criteria for selecting Fitness Testing (cont..) Relevance and specificity Relevant and specific to the sport/activity Look closely at Energy systems Fitness components Major muscles

Criteria for selecting Fitness Testing (cont..) Validity and reliability Valid: it must measure what it claims to assess Reliable: if repeated it must be able to show consistent accurate results

Criteria for selecting Fitness Testing (cont..) Interpretable and comparable results The athlete should receive information about: What the results represent (good, average, poor performance) How the results compare with previous results How the results compare to those of other athletes in the same age, sport The consequences and implications of the results (what to train, how to train)

Fitness Test Batteries “A selection of tests that have been grouped to provide a comprehensive fitness profile”

Norm and Criterion Referenced Standards Norm referenced standards Standards that are considered to be statistically normal or typical for a particular group Tables of norm referenced standards (based on percentiles) allow comparison between the subject and other athletes Criterion referenced fitness standards Do not provide ratings, rather they indicate the base (minimal) standard that should be achieved Comparison with others is discouraged

Pre Test Procedures The individual is fully informed about and familiar with the procedures and format of the test(s) No food is consumed within 2 hours of testing Wearing appropriate footwear and clothing Avoided heavy or intense exercise the day before testing Have given consent and obtained appropriate medical clearances

Why post test??

Testing the components of fitness Aerobic power VO2 Max (maximal lab test) Harvard Step Test Cooper’s 12 minute run Multistage 20m shuttle run Anaerobic Power/speed Phosphate recovery test Repco peak power 400m run Sprints 15, 40, 55m

Difference between lab and field tests Lab tests are preferred for elite athletes They provide the most accurate results The are often expensive and require sophisticated equipment and considerable amount of time Field Tests are easy to complete Inexpensive Not as precise as lab tests Provide accurate predictions of fitness levels

Testing the components of fitness (cont..) Muscular strength Grip strength 1 RM Local Muscular Endurance Timed sit ups Timed push ups Muscular Power Vertical jump Basketball throw

Testing the components of fitness (cont..) Agility Semo agility Illinois agility Flexibility Modified sit and reach Shoulder elevation Body composition BMI Skinfold measurement

Questions What are some ways that test administrators can ensure that tests have been administered in a reliable manner?

Developing a fitness test battery - basketball What fitness components are important? What energy systems are predominant? So, which fitness tests should be chosen?