Lecture 7: Testing and athlete monitoring Flashcards
Reasons for testing
- Provides trainer or strength and conditioning coach info to make decisions about the creation or development of the training program
- Aids in creation of individual or team goals
- Talent identification
- Highlights what areas athlete is proficient in
- Identifies key areas of improvement
Evaluation of test quality
Validity and reliability
Validity
Degree to which a test or test item measures what it is supposed to measure
Face validity
Does the test look appropriate
ex. vertical jump on force plate vs vertech
Content validity
Testing should cover all relevant areas
ex. sprinting, change of direction, lower body strength
Face validity- vertical jump vertech
Creates a more tangible item to reach to
Surround athlete w teammates to help create a motivational environment
Face validity- vertical jump on force plate
Provides more info but is done in the lab and is less motivating so performance is worse
Reliability
Measure of the degree of consistency or repeatability of a test
Test-retest reliability
Multiple tests must be similar under the same conditions
Test selection for athletes or teams
Energy system (PCR, glycolytic, oxidative) and movement specific (40 yard dash, endurance test, distance test)
Test selection for general population
Broad
Test selection- energy example
Soccer player = Yo-Yo IRT
Defensive lineman= 10 yrd sprint
Test selection- movement example
Offensive lineman= 225 bench press
Volleyball player= vertical jump
Factors that affect testing
- Experience of athlete
- Testing outdoors
- Testing indoors
- Consistency
- Sequence of tests
Experience of athlete
Chronological age
Training age
Testing outdoors
Weather and temp (rain, heat and cold) play a factor in test results
Perception while testing (ex. running in to wind so athletes think theyll be slower)
Testing outdoors vs indoors
Indoors is more reliable
Be consistent
Testing indoors
Deceleration areas for sprints and distance tests (mats on walls, having enough space to slow down)
Floor material for jumping and agility tests (dirty/slippery floors)
Consistency **most imp
Make sure everyone helping are aware of test set up and criteria (same intern at same station)
Two people at each testing station
Things to consider to maintain consistency
Set up
Type of equipment used (ex. cones, med balls)
How many attempts
Where test is set up
How is is data recorded? (L vs R or Avg)
Sequence of tests
Critical to minimize fatigue
Types of tests
- Non-fatiguing tests
- Agility tests
- Max power or strength tests
- Sprint tests
- Local muscular endurance tests
- Fatiguing anaerobic capacity
- Aerobic capacity tests
Non-fatiguing tests
Height, weight, flexibility, vertical jump
Agility tests
Pro-agility, T-test
Max power or strength tests
Olympic lifts - 1RM squat etc.
Sprint tests
40 yard dash, 10 m sprint
Local muscular endurance tests
Max push ups, max pull ups
Fatiguing anaerobic capacity tests
300 yard shuttle, RHEIT
Aerobic capacity tests
Distance, beep tests
Preparing the athletes
Make sure they’re aware when and where test will take place
Let them know which tests they will be performing
Testing vs monitoring
Testing= less frequent (1-3 times per year)
Monitoring= more frequent (daily, monthly, weekly)
Monitoring
Physical (KPI based on sport)
Wellness (academics or health)
Load (attendance)
Advantages of monitoring
Allows us to gather data more regularly
Inexpensive
Time efficient
Adjust individual or team programs if needed
Load monitoring
How many sessions and how long?
Could use GPS data or HR
Recording data
Being organized w your testing data will save time and look professional when dealing w sport coaches
