Evaluation of Physical Fitness

Question 1

What are the components of Health Related Physical Fitness? (5)

Answer 1

1. Cardio-respiratory endurance – aerobic power
2. Muscular Endurance
3. Strength
4. Flexibility
5. Body Composition

Question 2

What are the objectives of Physical Fitness Testing? (5)

Answer 2

1. To access the status of individuals entering a program
2. To evaluate an individuals progress
3. To evaluate the success of a program in achieving its objectives
4. To increase motivation for entering or adhering to an exercise program
5. To aid in prescribing or limiting activities of certain individuals

Question 3

Describe medical clearance and human rights.

Answer 3

The subject’s human rights are respected - Informed Consent Form. The subject is given a thorough explanation of the purpose of the test, possible risks, benefits etc.

Question 4

What are the characteristics of a Good Physical Fitness Test? (6)

Answer 4

Validity, Reliability, Objectivity, Accuracy, Norms, Economy

Question 5

What does measurement error cause?

Answer 5

The observed value of a measure to differ from the true value.

Question 6

Describe a valid test.

Answer 6

A valid test is one that measures effectively what it is supposed to measure. Compare the test results to a criterion measure or reference standard - there should be a high relationship.

Question 7

Describe reliability.

Answer 7

Results consistent and reproducible. Reliable test yields same or approximately same scores when administered twice to same individuals, provided conditions & subjects are essentially the same.

Question 8

What is error?

Answer 8

A deviation in a measurement, observation, or calculation from the truth.

Question 9

Describe random errors.

Answer 9

Random errors influence results in statistically unpredictable manner. Cause results to spread in both directions (positive & negative) about the true value. Always certain amount of random errors due to combination of technical error and biological variation in performance.

Question 10

What to do when result is not repeatable?

Answer 10

Result not repeatable -> random errors -> repeat measurement several times & take mean

Question 11

Describe test administration.

Answer 11

Test administration should be rigidly controlled - standard instructions to subjects, standard procedures, standard order of test items and recovery times between items, standard environmental temp. & humidity, & standard equipment & equipment calibration procedures
Skills that require a high proficiency of coordination & reaction should be tested before any tests that may cause fatigue & decrease performance.

Question 12

Describe objectivity

Answer 12

The lvl to which multiple testers agree on the scoring of tests.

Question 13

How to optimize objectivity? (3)

Answer 13

Best to use trained testers, a predetermined scoring system, & if possible one designated tester.

Question 14

What is accuracy? (3)

Answer 14

A measure of how close a result is to the “true” value. Accuracy w/which things are measured or w/which differences are perceived depends upon PRECISION of measuring instruments
All measuring instruments have their limitations

Question 15

Describe systematic errors

Answer 15

Errors that systematically shift the measurements in one direction away from true value. Can be caused by instrumentation errors or by the use of incorrect measurement techniques. Systematic errors caused by measuring instrument can be estimated by comparison w/more accurate & reliable instrument - CALIBRATION of instruments

Question 16

What are norms?

Answer 16

Allow a relative rating or classification of subject’s performance. Describes person’s position in a POPULATION… describes subject in relation to large # of people who have taken test

Question 17

Why use norm

Answer 17

If only info available about subject’s test performance is raw score, interpreting meaningfully can be difficult.

Question 18

3 Q’s to ask when evaluating quality of norm charts

Answer 18

1) Were sampling procedures for construction of norms based on wide distribution of population?
2) Was large sample size used to construct the norms?
3) Are norms being used for specific groups for which they were prepared?

Question 19

What is percentile?

Answer 19

Point or position on theoretical scale of 100 divisions such that certain fraction of population of raw scores lies at or below that point

Question 20

What is median

Answer 20

50th percentile, score that divides distribution so that 50% of scores are above point & 50% fall below

Question 21

What two factors does the economy consider?

Answer 21

Money costs & time required of subjects & tests
Other things being reasonably equal (validity, reliability, accuracy) choose a test that meets ur objectives & requires little in money & time

Question 22

Describe lab tests

Answer 22

Typically require specialized equipment & specialized training for test administrator. Usually administered to only 1 person @ time

Question 23

Describe field tests

Answer 23

Require no expensive equipment & little, if any, specialized training. Tests can be administered to group of individuals @ same time, usually less precise than lab tests.