Chapter 1-8 Lecture Flashcards: Sports Testing and KPIs

30 practice flashcards focusing on key concepts from the lecture notes on sports testing, KPIs, injury risk, data interpretation, and interview-ready needs analyses.

What is the purpose of using GPS in warm-ups?

To save time, money, and effort compared with setting up timing gates.

Who are stakeholders mentioned for consideration in testing?

Athletes, coaches, performance directors, and parents (when working with youth teams).

What should testing metrics ideally relate to in order to gain buy-in?

Outcomes in the sport, such as scoring, winning, or successful collisions.

What does RSI stand for and what is it used to measure?

Reactive Strength Index; a stiffness measure related to braking and change of direction.

What movement aspect is highlighted as key during deceleration?

Eccentric forces/impulse are key during deceleration.

What caution is given about interpreting associations in testing?

Correlations can be found between two measures, but the strength (r value) must be reported and correlation does not imply causation.

What are the three injury metrics used to describe injuries in sports?

Incidence (injuries per 1000 hours), severity (days lost), and burden (days lost per 1000 hours).

What is the purpose of the ACSM guidelines mentioned?

To provide up-to-date statistics on injury etiology, updated every five years.

In a time-pressured setting, how should you structure your testing battery?

Select a small battery of about 3–6 tests focusing on the most informative and trainable metrics.

What are KPIs in a sports context?

Key performance indicators such as win/loss and key tasks occurring before important events (e.g., deceleration before a goal).

Why are deceleration tasks and braking forces emphasized in testing?

Because deceleration involves high eccentric loading, braking forces are linked to injury risk and performance.

Why is data currency important when evaluating sport demands?

Current data better reflect present game demands; older studies may be behind current play patterns.

What should be reported when discussing associations to make them meaningful?

The strength of association (the correlation value, e.g., r) and whether it is strong, moderate, or weak.

What test topics are used to explain the task and underlying physical qualities in athletes?

Kinematics and kinetics (e.g., deceleration mechanics, eccentric braking) to understand how actions are performed.

What is a key takeaway about testing logistics and equipment costs?

Budget and equipment constraints require prioritizing tests and planning around gold/silver/bronze options.

What does a ‘gold/silver/bronze’ testing framework refer to?

Gold standard (force plates), silver (alternative devices), bronze (mobile apps like MyJump) for accessible testing.

Why is gender consideration important in testing?

Male and female athletes may have different injury risks and demands; datasets can be incomplete for some sports.

What is the purpose of correlation values in needs analysis?

To quantify the strength of associations (e.g., r values) and judge the usefulness of the link between metrics and outcomes.

What should a needs analysis slide include for a job interview task?

Demands of the sport, injuries, proposed tests, and justification for each test.

What logistical questions should you prepare for when presenting testing plans?

Answers about cost, equipment, repeatability, testing schedule, and how tests will be administered.

What is the principle behind prioritizing tests when resources are limited?

Focus on a few high-value tests that reflect sport demands and have practical, trainable outcomes.

What is the recommended stance toward updating data and literature during analysis?

Use the most current sources (prefer 2020s and 2021–2025) and justify any older data if newer data are unavailable.

What does r value indicate in the context of correlations?

The r value (correlation coefficient) quantifies the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables, ranging from -1 to +1. A value closer to |1| indicates a stronger relationship.

What are common examples of 'gold standard' testing equipment?

Force plates, high-speed motion capture systems, and isokinetic dynamometers are generally considered 'gold standard' for their precision and detailed kinetic/kinematic data.

What types of devices fall under the 'silver' standard testing framework?

Alternative devices such as contact mats (for jump height), linear position transducers (for bar velocity), and instrumented treadmills are examples of 'silver standard' options, offering good data with more portability and lower cost than 'gold' standards.

What are the characteristics and benefits of 'bronze' standard testing options?

'Bronze' options, like mobile apps (e.g., MyJump) or simple timing gates, provide accessible and low-cost data collection. They are beneficial for quick assessments and widespread use with basic equipment, though they may have lower precision than 'gold' or 'silver' standards.

How is Reactive Strength Index (RSI) typically applied in training?

RSI is used to monitor an athlete's ability to efficiently convert eccentric (braking) forces into concentric (propulsive) forces, often guiding plyometric or jump training intensity.

What is the main distinction between kinematics and kinetics in sports science?

Kinematics focuses on the motion of objects without considering the forces that cause the motion, while kinetics examines the forces and torques that lead to the movement.

What are some inherent limitations of 'bronze' standard testing options?

Inherent limitations of 'bronze' standard testing options include reduced accuracy compared to higher standards, potential for inconsistent results due to environmental factors, and limitations in assessing complex movements or performance metrics.

What specific metrics can GPS devices track during warm-ups or training?

GPS devices can track total distance, speed, acceleration, deceleration, high-speed running, and changes in direction, providing insights into athlete workload and movement patterns

What is the main objective of conducting a comprehensive needs analysis in sports performance?

To identify the physiological, biomechanical, and energetic demands of a sport, as well as common injury patterns, to inform and justify targeted training programs and testing batteries that optimize athlete performance and reduce injury risk.

Beyond injury metrics, what other types of data are crucial for a comprehensive needs analysis?

Sport-specific movement demands (e.g., distances, speeds, accelerations), physiological demands (e.g., heart rate, power outputs), and performance indicators (e.g., successful tackles, shots on goal).

What is the practical implication of high eccentric loads during deceleration for athlete training?

Training should incorporate exercises that prepare athletes for and strengthen their ability to tolerate and produce high eccentric forces, reducing injury risk and improving change-of-direction performance 

How can a sports scientist ensure the repeatability of testing protocols?

Standardize instructions, equipment setup, environmental conditions, rest periods, and tester technique, and conduct familiarization sessions for athletes before official testing.