Fitness testing

Question 1

What are the benefits of fitness testing?

Answer 1

• identify strengths and weaknesses in performance
• monitor progress in training
• enhance motivation of participants
• measure effectiveness of training programmes
• identify talent
• set goals and targets

Question 2

what is validity?

Answer 2

• Valid research accurately measures what it claims to.

* Activity-specific and should always be relevant to performance.

Question 3

what is reliability?

Answer 3

• Reliable research produces similar results if repeated.

* can affect comparison and evaluation of data.

Question 4

errors of reliability?

Answer 4

•human errors and technological error can reduce reliability.

• using hand help stopwatches
• using different brands of heart rate monitors
• different observers

Question 5

What is laboratory research?

Answer 5

•involves collecting data in an environment where all the conditions and variables are controlled, so that you are only measuring the variables in question.

Question 6

advantages of lab research

Answer 6

• high levels of internal validity

* controlling all your variables so you are only measuring the aspects you mean to measure.

Question 7

disadvantages of lab research

Answer 7

• low levels of ecological validity

* cost: requires the use of expensive or technical equipment and trained scientists.

Question 8

human error in labs

Answer 8

•contaminated blood samples.

Question 9

what is the Vo2 max

Answer 9

Max volume of oxygen a person can take in, transport and use per minute

Question 10

what is the vo2 treadmill test?

Answer 10

• gives a good measure of cardiovascular endurance/aerobic capacity
• direct gas analysis
• a valid test for measuring the aerobics capacity of runners and games players.

Question 11

what is lactate threshold?

Answer 11

•exercise intensity at which the body starts to produce too much lactic acid in the blood.

Question 12

what is the lactate threshold test?

Answer 12

• when working above lactate threshold, the body will fatigue quickly.
• provides useful data for any athlete that needs to combine endurance and speed.
• training at around the lactate threshold intensity causes the body to adapt and delay fatigue.

Question 13

what does the wingate 30sec cycle test?

Answer 13

• ability to exercise effectively at a high intensity for a short duration.
• how efficient the body is at breaking down glucose to produce energy without oxygen.

Question 14

What is field-based research?

Answer 14

•involves collecting data in the environment that stimulates the one in which the sport is played.

Question 15

advantages of field based research.

Answer 15

• high ecological validity

* cost: cheaper, making it more accessible to people without lots of resources

Question 16

disadvantages of field based research

Answer 16

•low internal validity

-limited control of variable during data collection.

Question 17

how can reaction time and coordination be measured?

Answer 17

• using only line reaction tests or the ruler-drop test.

* coordination using juggling or alternative hand-throw tests.

Question 18

Aerobic capacity: NCF multistage fitness test (bleep test)

Answer 18

•predicts VO2 max

Question 19

Aerobic capacity: harvard step test

Answer 19

• Does not require the subject to work to exhaustion
• predicts vo2 max
• sub-maximal test

Question 20

Static strength: plank test

Answer 20

•isometric production of force, where there is no movement at a joint.

Question 21

Dynamic strength: 1 repetition maximum

Answer 21

•measures dynamic strength which is isotonic production of force against a resistance resulting in a change of position.

Question 22

Muscular endurance: 1 min press-up test

Answer 22

•measure muscular endurance which is the ability of a muscle group to undergo repeated contractions without fatigue.

Question 23

Flexibility: sit and reach test

Answer 23

measures flexibility which is the range of movement at a joint.

Question 24

Speed: sprint tests

Answer 24

•measure speed which is the maximum rate of movement over a specific distance.

Question 25

power: vertical jump test

Answer 25

•measures power which is a product of strength and speed.

Question 26

Agility: illinois agility test

Answer 26

•measures agility which is an ability to change direction quickly under control

Question 27

Balance: stork stand test.

Answer 27

•measures static balance which is the maintenance of the centre of mass over the base of support.