Fitness testing 1

• Benefits of fitness testing

  • identify strengths and weaknesses in performance
  • monitor progress in training
  • comparison to other athletes
  • enhance motivation of participants
  • measure effectiveness of training programmes
  • identify talent
  • set goals
• Components of fitness- health related


  • muscular strength
  • cardiovascular endurance
  • flexibility
  • muscular endurance
  • body composition
• Components of fitness- skill related

  • power
  • agility
  • balance
  • coordination
  • reaction time
  • speed
• What is muscular strength? (static and dynamic)

  Maximum force a muscle can generate against a resistance
• What is aerobic capacity?

  The ability of the heart and lung to continue supplying oxygen and removing waste products without fatigue
• What is flexibility?

  The range of motion at a joint
• What is muscular endurance?

  The ability of a specific muscle group to undergo repeated contractions without fatigue
• What is body composition?

  Proportion of body weight which is fat, muscle and bone
• What is power?

  A combination of strength and speed
• What is agility?

  Ability to change direction at speed with control
• What is balance? (static and dynamic)

  The maintenance of the body's centre of mass over the base of support
• What is coordination?

  Moving two or more body parts together with control
• What is reaction time?

  Time taken to respond to a stimulus
• What is speed?

  The maximum rate of movement over a specific distance
• What are the methods of testing?

  • Laboratory testing
  • Field testing
• Validity and relevance:

  Valid research accurately measures what it claims to

  Valid research in sport is activity specific. It should always be relevant to performance (e.g The sit and reach test not valid or relevant test for archery)

  Valid research in sport reflects the fitness requirements of the activity (e.g Multi stage fitness test not valid or relevant test for swimming endurance)
• Reliability:

  Reliable research produces similar results if repeated

  Reliability can affect comparison and evaluation of data

  Reliable research in sport uses a standardised environment and protocol ( e.g vertical jump test, same location, same conditions, same ruled)

  Human error and technological error can reduce reliability ( e.g using handheld stopwatches when testing speed may not give accurate times)
• Protocol:

  It is important that all protocols are followed exactly and precise measurements are taken to ensure reliability of results

  Following test protocols precisely and taking accurate measurements improves validity and reliability

  Human error can still occur in the lab ( e.g contaminated blood samples)
• Laboratory tests involve collecting data in an environment where all the conditions and variables are controlled, so that you are only measuring the variables in question
• Advantages of laboratory tests

  • High levels of internal validity: control all your variables, only measuring aspects you mean to measure
• Disadvantages of laboratory tests

  • Low levels of ecological validity: not collected in an environment that reflects the situation in which the activity is performed
  • Cost: often required expensive equipment
  • Expertise: technical equipment with strict protocol means trained scientists are needed to administer the tests
  • One athlete at a time: usually only one athlete at a time so it takes time
• VO2 max treadmill test

  • VO2 max is the maximum volume of oxygen a person can take in, transport and use per minute
  • It gives a good measure of cardiovascular endurance/aerobic capacity
  • The VO2 max treadmill test (direct gas analysis) is a valid test for measuring the aerobic capacity of runners and games players. There are similar tests carried out In swimming pools or on a bike
• VO2 max treadmill test - Lab test protocols

  • Athlete connected to gas analyser and heart rate monitor
  • Treadmill speed progressively increased
  • Changes in concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide measured
  • Test continues until athlete reaches exhaustion indicating maximal oxygen uptake is reached
  • This is the aerobic limit. The higher the value, the more efficient the body is at using oxygen
• Wingate 30sec cycle test

  • The Wingate test measures anaerobic capacity/power
  • Anaerobic capacity is the ability to exercise effectively at high intensity for a short duration- how efficient the body is at breaking down glucose to produce energy without oxygen
  • Improving anaerobic capacity will enhance performance in sports like sprint, throwing and gymnastics
• Wingate 30sec cycle test- Test protocol

  • The cycle ergometer is set up with resistance in proportion to athlete's body weight
  • The athlete cycles at maximum effort for 30 seconds
  • The number of revolutions pedalled every 5 seconds are counted by a computer
  • Results will show: average power over 30 seconds, peak power achieved and the fatigue index
  • Fatigue index shows the difference between peak and low power over the 30 seconds