Fitness Testing

1. Fitness Testing Learning Objectives: To understand what factors influence how meaningful fitness test results are.

2. 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.

3. Types of Fitness Tests 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.

4. 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.

5. Applicable to the specific sport • 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).

6. Validity • 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.

7. Reliability • 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.

8. Accuracy • 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.

9. Were our tests meaningful? 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.