Fitness AssessmentAssessment of Fitness

Assessment of Fitness

ASSESSING FITNESS

Reasons for Fitness Testing

Identify the athlete’s capability to perform certain tasks Identify athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, which can be

used to develop/evaluate a training program Tests should be re-tested every 8-12 weeks to give coach-

athlete feedback (one-off testing is pointless) Testing can motivate athlete’s to strive for improvement in

their fitness.

Performance Evaluation

Laboratory Tests; Assessment from expensive and sophisticated equipment in laboratories. Performed usually only at elite level (Sports institutes), but are very accurate (Eg. Maximal tests)

Field Tests; Commonly carried out, as they are simple and results are instantaneous. Commonly carried out in individual and team sports to gauge ones fitness levels and can are specific to the fitness components required in particular sports.

Maximal and Sub-maximal Testing

The Evaluation Process

1. Select the fitness components to be tested (Via game analysis)

2. Select a suitable fitness test*

3. Collect the data scientifically

4. Analyse the data to determine strengths and weaknesses

5. Make decisions as to what to do with the test results

6. Design a training program to work on an athletes weaknesses and maintain their strengths

Test Selection CriteriaEach fitness test should be:

Relevant:

Specific:

Valid:

Reliable:

Pre-testing proceduresThe following is a checklist of recommended procedures and

precautions that should be followed before undertaking any form of fitness testing.

• The individual should be fully informed and familiarised with the procedures and format of the test(s).

• No food should be consumed immediately before the testing session. (approx 2hrs)

• Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn.• Heavy or intense exercise should be avoided on the day

prior to testing.• The individual should give their consent andappropriate medical clearances should have been obtained.• Untrained individuals should work at maximum intensities

for short periods only, and their responses should be closely monitored. This is to ensure that they do not injure themselves or run the risk of overtaxing themselves.

Standards and Norms

Where available, an athlete may make use of ‘norms’ (standards that are ‘normal’ or typical for a group) but caution should be exercised in referring to these norms.

Where norms are not available, the athlete should use personal bests (PB’s) as a guide.

Assessment of Fitness

FITNESS TESTS

Aerobic Capacity

Aerobic Capacity Copper’s 12 minute run

Harvard Step Test

Critical swim speed test

20m shuttle run test

1.6km jog test (1 mile)

Anaerobic CapacityThe two measures of anaerobic capacity include measurement of the capacity of the ATP–PC

system and measurement of the capacity of the anaerobic glycolysis (lactic acid) system.

Tests to assess the capacity of the ATP–PC system need to include activities of short duration (0–10 seconds) and maximum intensity (100 per cent effort).

Tests to measure the capacity of the anaerobic glycolysis system need to be performed at maximal or near-maxima intensity (95−100 per cent) and be sustained for a period of time between 30−90 seconds.

VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

Anaerobic Power/SpeedPhosphate recovery testAnaerobic sprint test (RAST)Repco peak power testSprint standing starts50m sprint test

Muscular Endurance, Strength and Power

Muscular EnduranceSit upsPush upsModified/pull ups

Muscular strengthGrip strengthCore muscle strengthMuscular PowerStanding Long JumpVertical Jump

VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

FlexibilityFlexibilitySit and reachShoulder & wrist elevationTrunk and neck extensionShoulder rotationAnkle extension / flexionShoulder rotation

VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

Agility

AgilityIllinois agility testSemo agility test

VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

Body Composition

BMISkinfold testunderwater weighing

(hydrodensitometry),waist-to-hip ratio.

Assessment of Fitness

FITNESS PROFILES AND BATTERIES

Fitness Profiles and Batteries Grouping of fitness tests

targeted at particular groups eg. Schools.

Battery tests provide a fitness profile for athletes

Examples; ACHPER Australian Fitness Education Award, Sport Search Fitness Program

Advantages; Reliable and valid, norm/criterion referenced standards (With percentiles and ratings), a final score is achieved.

Disadvantages; Not sport specific.