Evaluation of Physical Fitness

Question 1

six components of health-related physical fitness

Answer 1

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

Question 2

five objectives of physical fitness testing

Answer 2

1. To assess the status of individuals entering a program.
   
   • Often compared to age and gender specific normative data base
2. To aid in designing training programs and setting realistic goals.
3. To evaluate an individual’s progress.
4. To increase individual motivation for entering and adhering to an exercise program.
5. To evaluate the success of a training program in achieving its goals.

Question 3

6 Characteristics of a Good Physical Fitness Test: Validity

Answer 3

Valid test effectively measures and is able to compare the test results to a criterion measure.

Question 4

6 Characteristics of a Good Physical Fitness Test: Reliability

Answer 4

A highly reliable test yields the same or approximately the same scores consistently under the same conditions.

Error – the deviation of a measurement, observation, or calculation from the truth.

There will always be a certain amount of random error - due to a combination technical error and biological variation in performance.

Question 5

6 Characteristics of a Good Physical Fitness Test: Objectivity

Answer 5

Reduction of bias, feelings and interpretations to provide a result that is close to reality and truth.

Objective tests often use physical measurements - time, distance and weight.

Very clear criteria for assessment can increase objectivity.

Question 6

6 Characteristics of a Good Physical Fitness Test: Accuracy

Answer 6

A measure of how close a result is to the “true” value; depend on the precision of the measuring instruments.

All measuring instruments have their limitations.

Systematic errors - errors that systematically shift the measurements in one direction away from the true value.

Question 7

6 Characteristics of a Good Physical Fitness Test: Norms

Answer 7

Allow a relative rating or classification of the subject’s performance.

A norm describes a subject in relation to a large number of people who have taken the test.

Question 8

6 Characteristics of a Good Physical Fitness Test: Economy

Answer 8

a) money costs and
b) time required of subjects and testers

Other things being equal (validity, reliability, accuracy), choose a test that meets your objectives and requires little in money and time.

Laboratory tests vs Field tests