fitness tests and components

Activity analysis

Gathering specific physiological data and information either through viewing or recording an individual performance

Direct viewing analysis

The game, sport or activity is viewed and subjective information is gathered. Information can include skill frequencies, movement patterns, playing area, intensities, actions and set plays.

digital recording

The use of digital video cameras, tablets, mobile apps, heart rate monitors, global position systems (GPS) and/or aerial sports analysis technologies.

heart rate monitoring

A personal monitoring device that allows one to measure/display heart rate in real time or record the heart rate.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A system that determines the precise position of something or someone on Earth through a series of satellites, tracking stations, and receivers. When used in sport can identify intensities and location of a player or individual.

Analysis of skill frequencies

Observing how often an individual completes a specific skill. Example: In tennis recording and analysing when a player does a forehand, backhand, serves, volleys, smash, lob etc.

Analysis of intensity

Measured using low, medium, high and very high and often measured at particular and set minute intervals.

Analysis of work-to-rest data

Observing during an activity how much time a person is working versus how much time a person is resting.

1:1, 2:1, 3:1 or greater work

The work-to-rest ratio highlights a reliance on the aerobic energy system.

1:3 or 1:4

The work-to-rest ratio highlights a major contribution from the lactic acid/anaerobic glycolysis energy system.

1:5, 1:6, 1:7 or greater rest

highlights a reliance on the ATP-PC energy system.

Work to rest ratio

Relationship between the phases of work and rest during training. cannot determine energy system contribution, intensity MUST also be considered

Aerobic power

• The rate of energy release by processes that depend on oxygen (aerobic respiration)

body composition

The relative ratios of fat-free mass and fat mass. Percentages of fat, bone, water and muscle in the body.

flexibility

The capacity of a joint to move through its full range of motion (ROM) and the ability of the muscles and connective tissue to stretch.

static - being still

dynamic - motion

muscular strength

The maximal force that can be generated by a muscle or muscle group in one maximal effort

muscular endurance

The ability of the muscle or muscle group to perform repeated contractions or a contraction for an extended period of time

anaerobic capacity

The total amount of energy available from the anaerobic energy systems

muscular power

The ability to exert a force rapidly, over a short period of time. Closely related to muscular strength and speed

speed

The rate of motion, how fast you can move your body or a body part from one point to another

agility

The ability to change direction rapidly and accurately

coordination

The ability to use the body’s senses to execute motor skills smoothly and accurately

balence

The ability to control equilibrium while stationary or moving

reaction time

The time it takes to react/respond to an external stimulus

Aims of fitness testing

1. To determine strengths and weaknesses of an athlete - in particular which fitness components need improvement
2. To establish a baseline or bench mark for an athlete
3. Providing motivation for an athlete

PHYSIOLOGICAL perspective when selecting appropriate fitness tests

fitness level, age, gender, injuries, physical capability

PSYCHOLOGICAL perspective when selecting appropriate fitness tests

Includes an athlete's motivation, self-efficacy and mental health

SOCIOCULTURAL perspective when selecting appropriate fitness tests

access to facilities, cost of fitness tests, SES, support from family or friends/peers, geographic location

Variety

A variety and several different tests will be required to assess the various fitness components necessary for the athlete to perform at their best

specificity

It is important to keep testing as specific as possible to the requirements established in a data collection or activity analysis

sequencing

Considering the sequence of the fitness tests when completing a fitness test battery

non-fatigue tests are conducted first, then agility tests, muscular strength and power tests, sprint tests, muscular endurance tests then flexibility tests

Fitness test battery

A group of tests selected to assess particular fitness components

Pre-participation health screening

A screening tool that is used to establish the health of the individual to determine their readiness/appropriateness for the test

PAR-Q

An acronym for Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire; designed to help determine if you are physically fit and able to complete fitness testing

informed consent

An agreement by the performer stating they are aware of any risks participating in fitness testing. The aim is to minimise risk to the performer and administrator.

protocols of informed consent

undertake a pre-test screening on the athlete

explain what the fitness test is

explain what the risks are

explain what the benefits are

guarantee confidentiality and get a signature from the participant agreeing to participate in the test and with their understanding of all of the above

validity

The ability of a test to measure what it is intended to measure

upholding validity

Ensuring the most appropriate fitness test is selected to tests the fitness component in focus

reliability

ability of a test to produce consistent results when done on repeated occasions under similar conditions

accuracy

The fitness tests must be calibrated correctly and same procedures strictly adhered to

lab tests

Fitness tests completed in a laboratory setting, they are usually more expensive but more accurate in producing results

field tests

Fitness tests that are carried out in a team training or class which are much more practical and cost effective, however there may be reduced accuracy in results

Maximal fitness tests

Fitness tests that are performed until exhaustion

submaximal fitness tests

Fitness tests that are not performed until exhaustion

direct fitness tests

Specifically measures the function of a fitness component

indirect fitness tests

Based on predictive measures and equations linked to norms for estimating fitness levels

Absolute values or results

Do NOT take into account the athletes body weight

Relative values or results

Take into account the athletes body weight (kg)