Chapter 1-4: Exercise Testing Methodology and Goal Setting
Exercise Testing Methodology
Importance of Pre-Exercise Screening
Data from resting tests and pre-exercise documents dictate testing and programming options for clients.
Four categories of program freedom:
Unrestricted Program: Client can perform any exercises.
Modified Program: Activity modifications are made to match client's limitations.
Supervised Program: Full supervision required; modifications needed due to significant health risks.
Medically Supervised Program: Requires medical clearance due to serious health risks; trainers must follow physician’s recommendations to limit liability.
Selection of Exercise Tests
Importance of logical rationale in selecting tests:
Identify starting points, strengths, weaknesses, and special needs.
Determine physical and psychological readiness for program activities.
Educate clients on realistic goals.
Key questions about test selection:
Is the test valid, reliable, and useful for programming?
Does the test match the client's capabilities? Is it safe?
How will retesting influence the client's exercise program?
Validity and Reliability of Tests
Validity: A test is valid if it accurately measures what it is intended to measure.
Reliability: A test is reliable if it provides consistent results during retesting.
Steps to optimize validity include:
Adherence to protocols and scoring systems.
Ensuring tester and client proficiency.
Psychologically preparing clients and checking equipment functionality.
Controlling environmental factors (temperature, noise, pollution).
Steps to optimize reliability include:
Duplicating all pre-test and testing conditions.
Using the same warm-up, equipment, and protocols.
Practicing the test before the formal assessment for confidence and efficiency.
Implementation of pre-test checklists for client and trainer enhances preparation.
Testing Order and Analysis
Order of Tests
Important to conduct tests in the correct order to avoid skewed results:
Resting and non-fatiguing tests (e.g., body composition or flexibility).
Strength, power, and speed tests (e.g., vertical jump).
Anaerobic endurance tests (e.g., push-ups to failure).
Anaerobic capacity tests (e.g., 400-meter shuttle).
Aerobic tests (e.g., 1.5-mile run).
Optimal order minimizes pre-fatigue effects based on energy systems used.
Data Analysis
After data collection, analyze to contribute to personalized program development.
Compare test scores against age and gender-specific norms to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Emphasize that scores are starting points and improvements are expected.
Use tact when discussing subpar scores to avoid demotivating language.
Needs Analysis and Goal Setting
Developing a Needs Analysis
A needs analysis serves as a "to-do list" for the client.
A two-column listing system can effectively match needs with remedies for goal setting.
Combine client needs with personal motivators to create program goals.
Effective Goal Setting
Goals should be:
Specific, measurable, realistic, and rewarding to the client.
Consider client capabilities, timeline, and necessary effort for achievement.
Goal attainment often follows a building block approach:
Daily objectives lead to short-term goals, which lead to long-term goals.
Common goal-setting errors to avoid:
Setting unattainable goals or unrealistic timelines (e.g., losing weight quickly).
Creating unclear goals (e.g., vague concepts like "getting toned").
Failing to emphasize daily objectives as foundational steps.
Conclusion
Understanding exercise testing methodology and goal setting is crucial for effective program design and achieving client success.