1. ACSM’s Guidelines For Exercise Testing & Prescription
Chapter 4
Physical Fitness Testing
& Interpretation

2. Purposes Of Fitness Testing
To educate the patient about their present fitness relative to health-related standards as well as age and gender matched norms.

3. Providing the data that is helpful in writing responsible and physiologically meaningful exercise prescriptions & which is matched with the patient’s pathologies.

4. Collection of data over time which provides evidence of progress and training for the patient.

5. To provide motivation to the patient by establishing reasonable and attainable fitness goals.

6. Helps the exercise leader to evaluate intensity of the exercise program relative to the patient’s risk profile.

7. Patient Pre-Test Instructions
The patient should have completed the PAR-Q before coming to the clinic for testing.
Wear loose fitting comfortable clothing for the test.

8. Drink plenty of fluids 24-hours prior to coming for the test.
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and food at least 3-hours prior to the test.

9. Avoid exercise on the day of the test.
Make sure that they are adequately rested the night before the test.

10. Body Composition Hydrostatic Weighing Plethysmography
Body Mass Index (kgbw/Hgtm2)
Waistc/Hipc Circumference
Waist Circumference
Skinfold Measurements
Bioelectrical Impedance

11. For any method used to assess body composition, the patient should :
Avoid caffeine, ETOH, diuretics
Void completely before assessment
No food or drink x 4 hrs. before test
Avoid exercise x 12 hrs. before test

12. Some Field Tests That Are Commonly Used To Assess Fitness
Astrand-Ryhming Ergometer Test
Cooper’s 1.5 Mile Run
Cooper’s 12-minute Test
Fisher-Fairbanks Walking Test
Sharkey’s Step test
Rockport One-Mile Walking Test

13. Monitoring & Precautions
Heart rate
Blood pressure
RPE - Borg Scale
Subjective symptoms - SOB, diaphoresis, chest pain, unusual fatigue, nausea, changed vision, vomiting, etc.

15. Reasons To Stop An Exercise Test
Onset of angina
Drop in systolic BP or failure to rise when load is increased
BP >260/115 mm Hg
Signs of poor perfusion - cyanosis, dizziness, confusion, light-headedness, ataxia, etc.

16. Failure of HR to rise with increased workload
Noticeable change in heart rhythm
Subject requests to stop
Severe fatigue
Equipment failure

17. Other Tests Evaluations Of Muscle Strength Muscular Endurance
1 RM
6 RM
10 RM
Muscular Endurance
Flexibility
Sit and Reach test