Measuring Fitness and Health Ch 5

Basic Questions: What is fitness? What is health? What is the connection? How are they assessed?

Definitions: Definition of Fitness: –“The ability to carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness, without undue fatigue, and with ample energy to enjoy leisure time pursuits and to meet unforeseen emergencies.” Clarke, H.H. (Ed.). (1971) Basic understanding of physical fitness. Physical Fitness Research Digest. Washington, DC: President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sport.

Definitions: Definition of Health: –“A State of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” World Health Organization, 1948

What is the connection between the two? –Physiological systems are improved through activity. –Improved capacity diminishes likelihood of disease. –Physical wellness improves other dimensions of wellness.

Dimensions of Wellness

So physical fitness is associated with physical health.

More Questions? What factors do we measure? How do we evaluate the measurements Are our measurements valid?

Evaluating Physical Fitness Initial fitness tests were geared toward motor fitness Motor Fitness: abilities/capacities without health implications* –muscular strength* –muscular endurance –cardiorespiratory power* –muscular power* –agility & speed* ## Note: some motor fitness components are performance fitness components

Health-Related Physical Fitness: emphasis on relationship between health and physical activity Health Related Physical Fitness

Test selection criteria: –Test should distinguish between severely limited functional capacity (very low fitness) to high functional capacity (very high fitness) –Test should measure capacities that can be improved by regular physical activity –Test should accurately reflect an individual’s fitness status and changes in fitness status (validity?) Health Related Physical Fitness

Health Related Fitness Components: –cardiorespiratory capacity (VO 2max ) Physiological capacity to do work Measured (or predicted) compared against norms, criteria Examples: –Time for distance (mile run, Rockport) –Distance for time (12 min run / walk – Cooper) –Paced run (PACER) –Incremental treadmill run (Bruce / Balke).

Health Related Fitness Components: –muscular flexibility Range of Motion – ROM about a joint Soft tissue limitations to mobility Examples: –Sit and reach –Back saver sit and reach –Trunk rotation –Shoulder stretch

Health Related Fitness Components: –muscular strength (1 RM) maximum effort achievable only one time Isolated - single muscle group/ joint Dynamic – combination/coordination of muscles Isometric – no movement Examples: –only one pull up or push up –max bench press, squat, etc. –hand grip dynamometer

Health Related Fitness Components: –muscular endurance sub maximal, repeatable effort isolated muscle group or dynamic action max # of reps **reps until time limit = measure of power, not endurance Examples: –pull ups (when more than one is achievable) –sit ups (“ “) –weight lifts – i.e. bench press, leg press to failure

Health Related Fitness Components: –body composition fat component vs. not-fat component of the body essential vs. nonessential fat –Healthy = 12-15% fat for men –Healthy = 18-24% fat for women

Health Related Fitness Examples of Estimation : –Hydrostatic weighing – density comparison –Skin fold calipers – sum of thicknesses –Bod Pod - plethysmography –BIA – bioelectric impedance –BMI – anthropometric (wt./ht. squared) –DEXA – x-ray determines density-fat vs. lean

Additional Physical Measures Performance Fitness Sport or job related Maximum capacity

Performance Fitness Learning component to many measures Neural measurement too Technique and skill component

Performance Fitness Performance fitness - fitness for athletes Comprised of health-related fitness components plus additional: –speed – all out or quickness / acceleration –power (force applied during short time) –agility – ability to quickly change directions –hand-eye / foot-eye coordination –reaction-time –neuromuscular coordination

Balance Static Balance – maintaining equilibrium –still position –small base of support –correction strategies Dynamic Balance – maintaining equilibrium –during movement –correction strategies

What Fitness Test Is Used In California?

Fitnessgram Developed by the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research Uses criterion-referenced standards for evaluation Utilizes a computerized reporting system Recommended and alternative tests of components Develops affective, cognitive, and behavioral components to stimulate regular activity ActivityGram – assessment of activity patterns

Fitnessgram Components Objective Equipment Scoring Standards Alternative Tests

Aging and Adult Fitness Physically fit = quantity of life and quality of life Age-related decline in physical fitness? Age-related decline in physical performance?

Aging and Adult Fitness Functional Adult Fitness 1. Physically Dependent – need full time help 2. Physically Frail – basic needs not all ADLs 3. Physically Independent – independent but sedentary 4. Physically Fit – exercise regularly 5. Physically Elite – train and compete

Aging and Adult Fitness Testing focuses on functional capacity –Aerobic Function – METs –Body Composition –Muscular Strength Endurance Flexibility –**Balance / Coordination / Reaction Time***

Questions?

End Chapter 5