Fitness testing 2

• Field testing involves collecting data In the environment that stimulates the one in which the sport is played
• Advantages of field testing

  • High ecological validity: mimics or is carried out in performance environment
  • Low cost: cheaper than lab testing, more accessible, less experience required
  • Large sample sizes can be tested at one time
• Disadvantages of field testing

  • Low internal validity: researcher has limited control of the variables
• Interpretation of test results - lab testing

  Lab tests provide direct measurement of specific components of fitness
• Interpretation of test results - field testing

  Field tests predict scores using data that has been extrapolated from lab test results
• What does the multistage fitness test train?

  Aerobic capacity
• Multistage fitness test predicts performers VO2 max
• Multistage fitness test - test protocol

  • Exact 20m distance marked out in a flat, stable surface
  • Subjects run 20m shuttles keeping in time to the 'beeps' on the pre-recorded CD
  • Beeps become progressively faster
  • Subjects continue to exhaustion until they can no longer keep up with the beeps
  • The level reached is compared to normative tables and is predicted VO2 max value
• What does the Harvard step test train?

  Aerobic capacity
• The Harvard step test is a sub-maximal test to predict VO2 max that doesn't require subject working to exhaustion
• Sub-maximal tests are useful when testing 'special populations' such as the elderly, obese/sedentary subjects or those with certain medical conditions
• Harvard step test - test protocol

  • Step up 50cm high bench/step on a flat, stable surface
  • Using a metronome, the subject steps up and down on the platform at a rate of 30 steps per minute (every two seconds) for 5 minutes
  • The number of heart beats are counted between 1 and 1 a half minutes after completing the test. This is then used to calculate the 'fitness index'
  • The 'fitness index' score is compared to a normative table and converse to an estimate of VO2 max
• Plank test (static strength) - test protocol


  • Subject lies face down with elbows and forearms underneath the chest
  • On the start of stopwatch the subject goes into plank position (on toes and forearms with a straight back)
  • Subject holds the position until exhaustion when they are unable to hold the back straight or hip is lowered
  • time is compared to normative data
• 1 rep max tests are used to measure dynamic strength which is isotonic production of force against resistance resulting in a change of position
• 1 repetition maximum (dynamic strength) - test protocol


  • select free weights or multi gym equipment for the specific muscle group to be tested
  • starting at an achievable weight, the subject attempt a full press/pull
  • weight is increased (with sufficient rest in between attempts) until failure
  • score is compared to normative data
• 1 minute press-up test (muscular endurance) - test protocol


  • on a floor mat the subject begins lying face down, hands under shoulders
  • on 'go', the start of the stopwatch the subject pushes up into a press-up with arms extended keeping the back and knees straight, and lowers the body until there is a 90 degree angle at the elbows
  • the number of full, completed press-ups are counted in 1 minute
  • scores are compared to normative data
• Sit and reach test measure range of movement at a joint
• Sit and reach test (flexibility) - test protocol


  • using a standardised sit and reach box, place it against the wall on a flat, stable surface
  • The subject sits with their feet (no shoes) flat against the side of the box with legs fully extended
  • The subject reaches as far as possible with hands on top of each other, keeping legs locked out. Measurements are taken from the tip of the fingers
  • Taking the best of 3 attempts, the score is compared to normative data
• Sprint tests (speed) - test protocol


  • depending on the sport and element of speed measured (from standing or flying start) a set distance is accurately measured on a flat, stable surface
  • using a stopwatch or timing gates, subject is timed running the distance as fast as possible and scored are compared to normative data
• Vertical jump test (power) - protocol


  • subject stands side on to wall and reaches up as far as possible. keeping feet flat on the ground, the point of the fingertips is marked or recorded
  • subject leaps vertically as high as possible using both arms and legs to assist. distance between the standing height and maximum is calculated.
  • maximum jump height is recorded after 3 attempts and scored compared to normative data
• Illinois agility test (agility) - test protocol


  • the Illinois course is set up using exact measurements. a stopwatch, or timing gating are used
  • subjects begin lying down, arms outstretched touching the start line
  • on 'go', the subject gets up and runs the course as quickly as possible. the clock is stopped as they run over the finish line
  • times are compared to normative data
• Stork stand (balance) - test protocol


  • the subject stands comfortably on both feet with their hands on their hips
  • they lift the right leg and place the sole of the right foot against side of left kneecap
  • the subject is timed holding the position as long as possible and scores compared to normative data