Assessment of fitness

1.

KEY KNOWLEDGE (What you need to know) Assessment of fitness including aims, protocols (informed consent and fitness testing): methods and outcomes of at least two standardised, recognised tests for each fitness component KEY SKILLS (Application of the knowledge) Justify in relation to the strengths and weaknesses of the testing methodology for the selected fitness tests.

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Assessment of fitness
AIMS OF FITNESS TESTING
1. 2.

Determining fitness component strengths and weakness in comparison to norms and previous personal results. A profile of the performer is developed and a more specific training program can then be designed based on these results.

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Establishing a baseline: creates a personal benchmark from which comparisons with future test results can be made; i.e pre and post test results. Post tests results will determine the effectiveness of the training program

Assessment of fitness
AIMS OF FITNESS TESTING cont 4. Improving Motivation: Performers may be more motivated to complete a training program if they know they know they will be re-tested. Pre-test results may also inspire a performer to exert themselves particularly if they are aspiring to reach a certain level of fitness 5. Determining team positions: fitness test results may assist coaches determine the most suitable position in which to play a performer 6. Predicting the potential of future performers, involves testing young performers (children) to possibly predict future athletes.

Assessment of fitness
FITNESS ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS These are the rules or procedures with fitness testing. Protocols are how each test should be conducted. Testing protocols included:
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2. 3. 4.

The validity of the test The reliability of the test The accuracy of the test and The informed consent

Assessment of fitness
FITNESS ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS cont..

Validity tests must measure what they claim to be measuring. Many field tests are validated or compared to laboratory/direct tests to ensure high correlation. There is a high correlation between the VO2 max treadmill test and the 20-metre beep test. Results from the 20-metre beep test are found to be directly and highly linked to aerobic capacity tests from the VO2 max treadmill test and are deemed to be valid. Reliability tests must be able to be performed repeatedly(anywhere) and the same results obtained. To maximise reliability: Tests should be conducted at same time of day, warm-ups undertaken, use similar environmental conditions (temp, indoors/outdoors, surface, etc.) test with same footwear, equipment and clothing

Assessment of fitness

FITNESS ASSESSMENT PROTOCOLS cont.. Accuracy equipment needs to be regularly calibrated, procedure stringently adhered to (e.g. miss two consecutive lines in 20-metre beep test and test ceases), increased via practice and same personnel conducting measurements. Informed Consent aims to minimise the risk of harm to both the participant and the test administrator. This is different from pre-activity screening for at risk groups such as older adults, those with a history of health / cardiovascular risks & those who dont regularly participate in physical activity.

Assessment of fitness

Reliable a test is reliable if the results can be reproduced consistently using this test Norms standards that are statistically normal or typical for a particular group Fitness assessment measurement of physiological responses to exercise in a controlled environment; gauges level of achievement for each of the components of fitness Maximal heart rate the highest possible rate able to be attained by the heart during exercise Prone face downwards (on your front) Grip dynamometer instrument used to measure strength

Reasons for fitness testing

Monitor progress and training efficiency Evaluate the program Motivate the athlete Set the parameters for a new program The evaluation process involves several stages Selection of the components to be tested Selection of a suitable test for measuring the component Collection of the data Analysis of the collected data Making of decisions Implementation of those decisions

Identify the athletes capability to perform certain tasks Identify athletes strengths and weaknesses, which can be used to develop/evaluate a training program Tests should be re-tested every 8-12 weeks to give coachathlete feedback (one-off testing is pointless) Testing can motivate athletes to strive for improvement in their fitness. Performance Evaluation Laboratory Tests; Assessment from expensive and sophisticated equipment in laboratories. Performed usually only at elite level (Sports institutes), but are very accurate (Eg. Maximal tests) Field Tests; Commonly carried out, as they are simple and results are instantaneous. Commonly carried out in individual and team sports to gauge ones fitness levels and can are specific to the fitness components required in particular sports. Maximal and Sub-maximal Testing

Direct and Indirect Testing

There are two broad approaches to testing direct, maximal testing and indirect submaximal testing. Each has its advantages and disadvantages
Direct lab equipment, HR monitor, etc Indirect predictive measures/ equations

Direct testing tends to be confined to laboratories Indirect sub-maximal testing tends to be used most often because it is easy to administer, requires less expertise and requires minimal effort.

Advantages and disadvantages of maximal testing

Advantages Most accurate measure Maximal Lengthy recovery (exhaustive nature) Individualised test More accurate norms available Disadvantages Exhausting (test to failure) Needs qualified personnel Requires a large amount of time Requires the use of costly equipment Limited venues where such tests can be undertaken Requires a high level of motivation Can be disruptive to training

Advantages and disadvantages of submaximal testing

Advantages
Minimal

Disadvantages
Usually

equipment needed Can be performed at a convenient location Time efficient, as many can be tested simultaneously Quick recovery More than one test per session can be done Can be self-designed Minimal disruption to training Easy to administer

indirect, prediction rather than measurement Greater chance of inaccurate results (human error) Fewer reliable norms available

Pre- and Post-testing

Pre-testing is the process of testing prior to the commencement of a training program. used to set the benchmark against which all future tests will be compared to gauge progress and improvements. Post-testing is done at the completion of a training program. Post-test results enable athletes to gauge the effectiveness of the training program and whether improvements/progress has been achieved

Pre-testing procedures
The following is a checklist of recommended procedures and precautions that should be followed before undertaking any form of fitness testing.
The individual should be fully informed and familiarised with the procedures and format of the test(s). No food should be consumed immediately before the testing session. (approx 2hrs) Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn. Heavy or intense exercise should be avoided on the day prior to testing. The individual should give their consent and appropriate medical clearances should have been obtained. Untrained individuals should work at maximum intensities for short periods only, and their responses should be closely monitored. This is to ensure that they do not injure themselves or run the risk of overtaxing themselves.

The Evaluation Process

Select the fitness components to be tested (Via game analysis) 2. Select a suitable fitness test* 3. Collect the data scientifically 4. Analyse the data to determine strengths and weaknesses 5. Make decisions as to what to do with the test results 6. Design a training program to work on an athletes weaknesses and maintain their strengths
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Test Selection Criteria

Each fitness test should be:

Relevant: Selected fitness should assess the performance capabilities of the relevant major muscle groups, and also the patterns and speeds of movement performed. Specific: The predominant energy systems and fitness components utilised in an activity should form the basis for the selection of tests.

Valid: An appropriate fitness test must be valid in that it should measure what it claims to measure. For example, if a test claims to measure aerobic capacity it should be of sufficient duration to test the capacity of this energy system.

Reliable: Fitness tests must be able to be repeated with consistently accurate results. Reliability is dependent upon a number of factors remaining constant. The same warm-up should be performed. The same sequence of tests should be conducted. The same recovery period between tests should be provided. The athlete should be tested at approximately the same time of day. The athlete should be in a similar fluid and nutritional state. The environmental conditions of heat, humidity and air movement should be similar.

Standards and Norms

Where available, an athlete may make use of norms (standards that are normal or typical for a group) but caution should be exercised in referring to these norms. Where norms are not available, the athlete should use personal bests (PBs) as a guide.

Tests for the components of fitness

Component
Aerobic capacity

Indirect Tests
VO2

maximum Tests (Lab) Coopers 12-minute run 1.6 km run test Yo-yo intermittent recovery test 20-m shuttle run (beep test) Harvard step test
Repco

Anaerobic power/speed

peak power test 300m shuttle run test Running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) Sprint standing start test Phosphate recovery test
Timed

Muscular endurance (LME)

Sit-ups Timed push-ups Partial curl ups Pull-ups and modified pull-ups

Component
Muscular strength

Tests
Grip

strength test Core muscle strength test IRM bench and leg press tests 7-level abdominal strength test
Standing

Muscular power

long jump test Vertical jump test Basketball throw

Illinois

Agility Static flexibility

agility run Semo agility test

Sit-and-reach

test Shoulder and wrist elevation test

35-metre

Speed Tests

sprint 50 metre sprint

Cardiovascular endurance or aerobic capacity tests

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Coopers 12 minute run 20-m shuttle run (Beep test)

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Harvard step test

Anaerobic power/speed tests

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Repco peak power test Phosphate recovery test

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3. Sprint standing start test

Anaerobic Power

The two measures of anaerobic capacity include measurement of the capacity of the ATPPC system and measurement of the capacity of the anaerobic glycolysis (lactic acid) system. Tests to assess the capacity of the ATPPC system need to include activities of short duration (010 seconds) and maximum intensity (100 per cent effort). Tests to measure the capacity of the anaerobic glycolysis system need to be performed at maximal or near-maxima intensity (95100 per cent) and be sustained for a period of time between 3090 seconds.

Muscular endurance tests

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Sit-ups (20/min times 3 min) Push-ups (1 min max)

Muscular strength tests

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Grip strength test Core muscle strength test Bench press or leg press One repetition max (1-RM) test

Muscular power tests

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Standing long jump test Vertical jump test

Agility tests
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Illinois agility test Semo agility test

Static flexibility tests

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Sit-and-reach test Shoulder and wrist elevation test

Flexibility
Flexibility-other tests Sit and reach Shoulder & wrist elevation Trunk and neck extension Shoulder rotation Ankle extension / flexion Shoulder rotation

Body Composition

BMI Skinfold test underwater weighing (hydrodensitometry), waist-to-hip ratio.

Fitness Profiles and Batteries

Grouping of fitness tests targeted at particular groups eg. Schools. Battery tests provide a fitness profile for athletes Examples; ACHPER Australian Fitness Education Award, Sport Search Fitness Program Advantages; Reliable and valid, norm/criterion referenced standards (With percentiles and ratings), a final score is achieved. Disadvantages; Not sport specific.