1. Assessing the body’s readiness for exercise and training

2. The specification includes the following specified tests and so the examiner can only ask direct questions about these You are expected to be able to describe these assessments or tests and what they actually measure

3. Suitable tests for cardiovascular endurance, e.g. the Cooper 12 minute run and the Multistage Fitness Test (bleep test).Suitable tests for cardiovascular endurance, e.g. the Cooper 12 minute run and the Multistage Fitness Test (bleep test). Suitable tests for strength, e.g. the grip dynamometer test.Suitable tests for strength, e.g. the grip dynamometer test. Suitable tests for speed, e.g. the 30m sprint test.Suitable tests for speed, e.g. the 30m sprint test. Suitable tests for flexibility, e.g. the sit and reach test.Suitable tests for flexibility, e.g. the sit and reach test. Measurement of body mass index (BMI).Measurement of body mass index (BMI). Health screening, including blood pressure and resting heart rate.Health screening, including blood pressure and resting heart rate.

4. You are also expected to show an understanding of: The validity of tests and measurements.The validity of tests and measurements. How tests can take into account family history of relevant illnesses and the participants age, fitness levels, lifestyle and ability.How tests can take into account family history of relevant illnesses and the participants age, fitness levels, lifestyle and ability. Test protocols and Health and Safety considerations.Test protocols and Health and Safety considerations.

5. Assessing cardiovascular fitness The level of endurance fitness is indicated by an individuals VO2 max – that is the maximum amount of O2 an individual can take in and utilise in one minute.The level of endurance fitness is indicated by an individuals VO2 max – that is the maximum amount of O2 an individual can take in and utilise in one minute. The potential VO2 max of an individual can be predicted via the ‘multi stage fitness test’The potential VO2 max of an individual can be predicted via the ‘multi stage fitness test’

6. Multi stage fitness (bleep) test Essentially a shuttle run that get progressively more difficult.Essentially a shuttle run that get progressively more difficult. Published by the National Coaching Foundation (now Sports Coach UK) in the form of a CD.Published by the National Coaching Foundation (now Sports Coach UK) in the form of a CD. Subjects run a 20m shuttle as many times as possible keeping in time with the bleeps on the tape.Subjects run a 20m shuttle as many times as possible keeping in time with the bleeps on the tape. The time lapse between each bleep gets progressively shorter and so the shuttle has to be completed progressively faster.The time lapse between each bleep gets progressively shorter and so the shuttle has to be completed progressively faster. When the subject can no longer keep up with the bleeps, they are deemed to have reached their optimum level.When the subject can no longer keep up with the bleeps, they are deemed to have reached their optimum level. The level reached is recorded and can be used as a baseline for future tests or can be compared with national norms.The level reached is recorded and can be used as a baseline for future tests or can be compared with national norms.

7. Multi stage fitness (bleep) test Safety factors: Safety factors: Anyone experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, palpitations or light-headedness should stop exercising immediately and seek medical advice.Anyone experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, palpitations or light-headedness should stop exercising immediately and seek medical advice. The person administering the test must watch the participants closely, particularly keeping an eye on pupils who physically less fit.The person administering the test must watch the participants closely, particularly keeping an eye on pupils who physically less fit.

8. Multi stage fitness (bleep) test Advantages: Advantages: Large groups can perform at minimum costLarge groups can perform at minimum cost The test continues to maximum effort (unlike some tests of endurance capacity which stop before maximum effort is reachedThe test continues to maximum effort (unlike some tests of endurance capacity which stop before maximum effort is reached Disadvantages: Practice effects can skew the results Motivation levels of subjects can influence amount of effort Scoring can be subjective (some scorers more lenient than others) Environmental factors can affect result (if outside)