Fitness Testing

Why fitness test? Testing is an important evaluation tool for the athlete as it gives them insight into their current physical condition and the effectiveness of their training. It monitors progress and training efficiency. It can motivate athletes to keep training Sets parameters for a new program

Before testing Individuals should have a medical exam Do not undertake vigorous exercise the day prior to the test Note conditions under which testing is being conducted Avoid consuming food in the 2 hours prior to the test Asthma plans in place?

Fitness tests Tests can be broken down into 2 groups: 1. Physiological / health related tests These tests test the components of physical fitness such as endurance, speed, strength, flexibility and body composition 2. Neuromuscular / skill related tests These tests look at the skill related aspects of performance such as agility, co-ordination, balance, power and reaction time.

Factors to consider when choosing tests Relevance Specificity Ease of administering Validity Norms or criteria Equipment requirements

Direct or Indirect testing? Indirect tests are easier to perform as they are not done to exhaustion. They are generally easy to administer and don’t require expensive equipment or laboratories. You can after test a whole class at one time and does not require a lot of expertise to administer. They are only a prediction therefore not as accurate as direct tests.

What tests to conduct? RELEVANCE / SPECIFICITY Is the test specific to the demands of the sport? The test conducted should be specific to the sport in terms of: 1. Energy systems 2. Fitness components 3. Muscles used

Relevance e.g. If you were to conduct fitness testing on a long jumper, it is obviously more beneficial to test leg power rather than arm power; you should test the ATP PC system not the aerobic system. It may also be argued that the standing long jump may be more specific to the specific sporting action of long jump than the vertical jump.

What tests to conduct? VALIDITY Is the test measuring what it is intended to measure? Does it measure the fitness component that it claims to measure?

Validity e.g. It is all well and good to work out what the relevant energy systems & fitness components of an activity are; but if the tests you use aren’t actually measuring these things then they are not valid (a test must measure what it claims to be measuring)

What tests to conduct? RELIABILITY How reliable are the results? Testing procedures must be the same each time.

Reliability of results For the results to be compared with previous tests conducted by the individual or by other testing institutions, then the testing procedure must be the same each time. Failure to adhere to this means that any difference measured pre and post tests may be the result of measurement error rather than a change in fitness level.

Maximal testing - aerobic There are 2 types of aerobic tests MAXIMAL and SUBMAXIMAL. Maximal tests aim to work the subject to their maximum by gradually increasing the intensity. The test is done in a lab (like ERA), which tests air inspired and expired scientifically. They are very accurate, but require maximal effort, specialised equipment and highly trained personnel to conduct the test.

Sub maximal testing - aerobic These tests predict VO2 max. They do not require laboratory equipment and can be performed by a whole class at one time. They record the level of achievement and compare this to norms for the exercise. The BEEP test (20m shuttle) is a perfect example of this type of prediction testing.