Reasons for and limitations of fitness testings

Question 1

Why are fitness tests used?

Answer 1

Highlight strengths and weaknesses

Allow progress to be monitored carefully, through re-testing and comparison to norms

Help in talent identification

Question 2

What is validity?

Answer 2

Validity relates to whether the test actually measures what it sets out to measure.

Question 3

What is reliability?

Answer 3

Reliability is a question of whether the test is accurate. It is important to ensure that the procedure is correctly maintained for ALL individuals.

Question 4

What are the limitations of fitness testings?

Answer 4

• Tests are often too general.
• They do not replicate movements of the activity.
• They do not replicate competitive conditions required in sports.
• Unless the subjects are fully motivated reliability can be questionable.
• They must be carried out with the correct procedures to increase validity.