Transcript Fitness Testing

Learning Objectives:
To understand what factors influence
how meaningful fitness test results are.
Discuss: Why are fitness tests important?
There are several reasons for fitness testing,
including;
 Starting point for training programme.
 Comparison with other athletes.
 To gain an understanding of the effectiveness of
training programmes.
 Motivation for training.
 Adds variety to training sessions.
Maximal Tests
 Performer works to maximum effort/exhaustion
 E.g. multi-stage fitness test
 Advantages: more accurate as it measures limit of
fatigue.
 Disadvantages: difficulty in ensuring maximal effort is
given, health/injury dangers, result largely
dependant on motivation levels.
Sub-Maximal Tests
 Performer works but not to exhaustion.
 Results compared to tables to estimate maximal score.
 Less accurate results – only an estimate.
Discuss: What are the problems and ethical considerations
associated with fitness testing:
 Some tests can cause fatigue which may affect performer’s
preparation or interfere with training.
 Some tests could cause fatigue or injury thus affecting
competitive performance.
 Knowledge of test results can cause psychological harm and
dent confidence.
Discuss: What factors influence how meaningful the results are?
In order for a fitness test to provide meaningful results it must be:
 Applicable to the sport.
 Valid.
 Reliable.
 Accurate.
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Test must mimic the fitness demands of the
sport.
For example, sprint tests to assess speed should
be taken over the same kind of distances
experienced in the sport.
In sports such as badminton this may include
running sideways or backwards.
It may also require performers to complete test
in full kit (e.g. cricket batsmen).
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To be valid, a test must assess what it is
intending to.
It must only assess the component of fitness it
is meant to (and not be affected by other
components of fitness).
If a test isn’t sport specific it is unlikely to be
valid.
The majority of fitness tests participated in at
school are therefore unlikely to be valid.
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Reliability refers to how repeatable a test is.
Would it give the same results every time?
Conditions, including environment,
equipment, performers physical state etc must
be identical in order to assess reliability.
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Test accuracy is part of both reliability and
validity.
Tests must be able to be accurately measured in
order to be either reliable or valid.
Think through the following tests:
 Ruler test (reactions)
 Multi-stage fitness test (stamina)
 Grip Dynamometer (strength)
 Sit and Reach (flexibility)
 Standing Broad Jump (power)
 20m Sprint (speed)
 Stork Stand (balance)
 Anderson Ball-Catch (coordination)
Task:
Chose four of these tests and write a paragraph for each
explaining how meaningful you feel the results were in terms of
validity, reliability and accuracy.