Measuring strength

• Fitness testing


  The real objective is to be able to describe the fitness test and evaluate it
• Evaluating fitness tests


  1. Describe the characteristics of the test

  2. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the test

  3. Reach a balanced, representative conclusion
• Hand grip dynamometer test

  Also called the grip strength dynamometer test
• Hand grip dynamometer test procedure

  1. Start with hand above head

  2. Squeeze handle as bring hand down to side

  3. Repeat 3 times

  4. Maximum reading is the score
• Hand grip dynamometer test


  • Simple and cheap
  • Basic protocol
  • Field test
• Hand grip dynamometer test


  • Maximal test requiring full effort
  • Not valid for whole body, only measures forearm strength
  • Not for dynamic, explosive or endurance strength
• One rep max test

  Measures maximum strength of a single voluntary muscular contraction
• One rep max test procedure

  1. Select a body part/muscle group

  2. Select a realistic weight

  3. Lift to failure

  4. Take the weight before failure as the max
• One rep max test


  • Adaptable to any muscle group
  • Direct measure increases validity and reliability
  • Uses basic equipment
  • Field test
• One rep max test


  • Maximal test, may be limited by volitional state rather than physical ability
  • Poor lifting technique can affect results
  • Time consuming for groups
• One minute press up test

  Measures strength endurance through how many press ups can be done in 1 minute
• One minute sit up test


  Measures strength endurance through how many sit ups can be done in 1 minute
• One minute press up/sit up tests


  • Simple, only need stopwatch and assistant
  • Good for groups, easy to learn technique
  • Field test
• One minute press up/sit up tests


  • Not respected at high levels
  • Measures pacing as much as endurance
  • Maximal test, affected by volitional state
• Vertical jump test


  Measures elastic explosive strength by measuring difference between standing reach and jump height
• Vertical jump test


  • Simple, cheap (just need chalk)
  • Quick, field test
• Vertical jump test


  • Measures leg power only
  • Maximal test