Assessment of fitness

Question 1

Steps involved in a fitness assessment

Answer 1

1. conduct an activity analysis to select fitness components to be tested
2. select suitable battery of tests
3. complete pre-participation health screening and informed consent
4. conduct fitness testing (pre-testing)
5. Analyse the data to determine strengths and weaknesses
6. Using the data, determine goals for a training program
7. Design a training program utilising appropriate training methods and correctly applied training principles
8. Conduct Fitness Testing (post-testing) to gauge effectiveness of the program via level of improvement of athlete

Question 2

Purpose of fitness testing (physiological)

Answer 2

• To identify strengths and weaknesses
• to determine team roles
• identify talent/predict future performance
• Establish baseline- set appropriate goals and post testing comparison to determine effectiveness of training program
• identify cardiovascular risk

Question 3

Psychological

Answer 3

• Develop mental strength - maximal tests show mental strength
• provide motivation via incentive

Question 4

Considerations of fitness testing

Answer 4

• Current training status (pre season vs before grand final )
• current fitness levels (untrained to complete vo2 max then get discouraged)
• cardiovascular health risks
• environmental conditions
• physiological requirements

Question 5

Psychological

Answer 5

current self efficacy levels
does patient understand purpose of testing
will poor results lead to decreased motivation

Question 6

Sociocultural

Answer 6

socioeconomic status - some tests too expensive (resources available)
how many ppl can do the tests (in class instead of VO2 max do a multistage fitness test. ) (testing a group or individual)
Cultural background: skin folds will not be appropriate in some religions
Submax testing for older individuals due to underlying health risks
separate mixed genders

Question 7

Specificity (what is it and examples)

Answer 7

Where possible, testing should closely match the requirements established in the initial activity analysis to ensure specificity is closely aligned to the requirements of the activity
(same as sport conditions)

tests need to be specific to:
Movement patterns: distance (20 vs 35m)
changes in direction: yo-yo test vs coopers 12min run, Semo vs illinois test

Muscle groups:
testing muscle groups mostly utilized in an activity and in similar movement (standing long jump or vertical jump )

Fitness components:
ensure you are testing for relevant fitness components

Question 8

Pre participation health screening

Answer 8

considering current health status and assess risks prior to fitness testing
diagnose any disease or cardiovascular problems, determining readiness of fitness testing.

Question 9

Informed consent

Answer 9

minimising risk of harm to both performers and administrated.
Athlete must understand the purpose/protocols of testing
Must understand risks/benefits
must have questions answered
must have assured confidentiality
must sign giving their consent

Question 10

Fitness testing protocols