methods of evaluating aerobic capacity

Question 1

what are the fitness tests

Answer 1

• 12 minute cooper run
• queens college step test
• multistage fitness test
• direct gas analysis (good one to use for comparisons)

Question 2

what is the protocol/procedure for the 12 minute cooper run

Answer 2

• Requires a flat, hard running surface + stopwatch
• Place markers at set intervals around the track to aid in measuring the completed distance.
• Ppts run for 12 mins, the total distance covered is recorded. Walking is allowed, though the ppts are encouraged to push themselves as hard as they can to maximise distance covered

Question 3

what are the advantages of the 12 minute cooper run

Answer 3

• Large groups can be tested at once - not time consuming
• Cheap - little to no equipment
• Simple - doesn’t require much cognitive thought

Question 4

what are the disadvantages of the 12 minute cooper run

Answer 4

• May overestimate VO2 max for highly efficient runners
• May underestimate for less efficient runners
• Can be affected by weather, pacing, training + experience
• Greatly affected by motivation

Question 5

what is the protocol/procedure for the queens college step test

Answer 5

• athlete steps up and down on a platform for a total of 3 minutes.
• Once completed you immediately measure your heart rate for 15 seconds.
• Then multiply it by 4 to get your BPM.
• An estimation of VO2max can be calculated from the test results.

Question 6

what are the advantages of the queens college step test

Answer 6

• Short only lasting 3 minutes
• Minimal equipment is required to perform this test ( 16.25 inch step , stopwatch and a metronome)
  simple to set up
• can be conducted almost anywhere meaning - no specific environment it needs to be completed in.
• very simple analysis to be done on the results

Question 7

what are the disadvantages of the queens college step test

Answer 7

• Biomechanical characteristics vary between individuals → taller people will be at an advantage
• Need assistants to carry out test → can’t easily do by yourself
• Data was formulated by treadmill running → suggests that treadmill running and stepping have the same oxygen cost

Question 8

what is the protocol/procedure for the multistage fitness test

Answer 8

• requires a large enough space (with something to measure it), cones, and the necessary audio track.
• The cones will be set to make out two lines, 20m apart.
• The audio will be started, which will sound a beep to indicate to the performers to start running.
• The performers have to get from one line to the other, before the next beep.
• Each subsequent interval is quicker than the next, as the levels increase.
• A performer is finished when they fail to reach the end line in time three times, and there score will be the level they finish on.

Question 9

what are the advantages of the multistage fitness test

Answer 9

• A large group can perform this test.
  It is a maximal effort test for cardiovascular endurance.
• It can be completed indoors or outdoors.
• This test is cheap to perform.
• It is perfect for game players as it is specific to the nature of the sport
• Easy to set up.

Question 10

what are the disadvantages of the multistage fitness test

Answer 10

• Scoring can be subjective
• Due to the short sharp turns, it is perhaps not suitable for rowers, runners or cyclists.
• A maximal test, therefore if you are unmotivated to complete it you will not get an accurate result, so unreliable.
• Performers may not hear the beep
• Requires having the correct equipment: CD and CD player.
• Test must be set up correctly or performers may run short
• Weather may affect the outcome if done outside
• The ground that the test is being performed on must be flat and not hazardous

Question 11

what is the protocol/procedure for direct gas analysis

Answer 11

• Continuous exercise at progressive intensities to exhaustion.
• A mask collects how much oxygen and carbon dioxide is expired and then the results are graphed.
• Direct objective measurements of VO2 max, accurate and reliable, test is performed during different exercises.

Question 12

what are the advantages of direct gas analysis

Answer 12

• Directly measures body oxygen consumption
• Can get a direct measurement of maximum HR by recording the HR during the test
• Designed for any sport where aerobic endurance is a component, such as distance runners, cross country, skiers etc.

Question 13

what are the disadvantages of direct gas analysis

Answer 13

• Relatively time-consuming.
• Expensive, and can be inaccessible because of the high cost.
• Not recommended for recreational athletes or people with health problems, injuries or low fitness levels.
• Can be uncomfortable, as you have to wear pieces of equipment such as a mask when performing.