3 Reasons for fitness testing Criteria for selecting

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� Reasons for fitness testing � Criteria for selecting fitness tests � Norm and criterion referenced standards � Pre-test procedures � Fitness tests � How to develop a fitness test battery

� Fitness assessment/fitness testing measures an individuals physiological responses to exercise in a controlled environment � Fitness levels can be assessed in the different fitness components using specific tests

� Identifying specific attributes � May help coach/athlete to choose sport/event/position • Identifying strengths and weaknesses - • Monitoring progress - • Helps to design an individuals training program Regular fitness testing needed to assess effectiveness of training program Providing motivation and incentive - Helps to continue training and strive for improvement

1. Identify three reasons for testing the fitness of athletes?

� There are many tests available to assess each fitness components � It is important to select tests carefully and the following criteria can be used �Relevance and specificity �Validity and reliability �Interpretable and comparable results

� Relevance and specificity �Relevant and specific to the sport/activity �Look closely at Energy systems Fitness components Major muscles

� Validity �Valid: and reliability it must measure what it claims to assess �Reliable: if repeated it must be able to show consistent accurate results

� Interpretable �The and comparable results athlete should receive information about: What the results represent (good, average, poor performance) How the results compare with previous results How the results compare to those of other athletes in the same age, sport The consequences and implications of the results (what to train, how to train)

� “A selection of tests that have been grouped to provide a comprehensive fitness profile”

� Norm referenced standards �Standards that are considered to be statistically normal or typical for a particular group �Tables of norm referenced standards (based on percentiles) allow comparison between the subject and other athletes • Criterion referenced fitness standards �Do not provide ratings, rather they indicate the base (minimal) standard that should be achieved �Comparison with others is discouraged

� The individual is fully informed about and familiar with the procedures and format of the test(s) � No food is consumed within 2 hours of testing � Wearing appropriate footwear and clothing � Avoided heavy or intense exercise the day before testing � Have given consent and obtained appropriate medical clearances

� Aerobic power �VO 2 Max (maximal lab test) �Harvard Step Test �Cooper’s 12 minute run �Multistage 20 m shuttle run • Anaerobic Power/speed �Phosphate recovery test �Repco peak power � 400 m run �Sprints 15, 40, 55 m

� Lab tests are preferred for elite athletes �They provide the most accurate results �The are often expensive and require sophisticated equipment and considerable amount of time Field Tests are easy to complete �Inexpensive �Not as precise as lab tests �Provide accurate predictions of fitness levels

� Muscular �Grip � 1 • strength RM Local Muscular Endurance �Timed sit ups �Timed push ups • Muscular Power �Vertical jump �Basketball throw

� Agility �Semo agility �Illinois agility • Flexibility �Modified sit and reach �Shoulder elevation • Body composition �BMI �Skinfold measurement

1. What are some ways that test administrators can ensure that tests have been administered in a reliable manner?

� What fitness components are important? � What energy systems are predominant? � So, which fitness tests should be chosen?