1. Module 1 Fitness Testing, Validity and Reliability
AS Level - Week 3 Theory
Module 1
Fitness Testing, Validity and Reliability

2. Aims Discuss why we fitness test.
Discuss validity and reliability of testing.
Outline advantages and disadvantages of each test undertaken.
Complete grip strength test. (If we have one)

3. Why conduct fitness tests?
Fitness testing should be an integral part of any athlete’s training regime.
In fact, testing should be the basis on which their training programme is designed!
Fitness testing attempts to measure a performer’s individual aspects of performance with the overall aim of improving ability within each component.

4. Benefits of Fitness Testing
Identify strengths and weaknesses of the athlete.
Monitor progress by comparing results from previous tests or from other performers.
Enhance motivation – there is nothing more satisfying than seeing yourself improve.
Provide information for the design and modification of training programmes – it can be used to measure the success of your current training programme.
Talent identification and prediction of physiological potential – it can be used to steer the performer into the most appropriate sport or activity.
Help performers set appropriate goals for fitness development.

5. Limitations to Fitness Tests
Remember -:
Fitness tests are not a magic potion, they will not themselves create a better performer, they should merely be used as a tool that can help provide the coach and athlete with valuable information to help them improve.
Limitations to Fitness Tests
Many tests are not sport specific. They do not replicate the specific movements or actions that are required by different activities.
Many tests are predictive.
Many tests do not consider the sporting environment or the competitive conditions of the activity.

6. Validity
To be valid a test must measure what it claims to. Example; the sit and reach test maybe a valid test for flexibility at the hip but not at the shoulder joint.
The validity improves if the test is sport specific. Example; a distance runner should perform a VO2 max test which requires running rather than cycling.
A test should - :
Test the appropriate muscle group.
Test the appropriate muscle fibre type.
Test the appropriate energy systems.
Replicate the sporting environment. Example; a rugby player should perform a sprint test on grass wearing boots and rugby kit.

7. Reliability
The reliability of a fitness test is more concerned with consistency and repeatability of the test results. If the test is reliable, then the same or very similar test results should be achieved when the test is repeated (assuming no change in fitness levels)
Sub maximal tests are more reliable tests since the performer’s motivation to work to exhaustion is not an issue.
The testing environment must be the same each time the test is conducted.
The testing personnel and protocol must be standardized.

8. Homework Define each of the following; a) fitness b) health
Validity and reliability are important in any test. How would you ensure that an investigation is both valid and reliable.
Explain why fitness testing is necessary for both the coach and the athlete.

9. Activity Swimming X Squash Marathon Tennis Cycling Rugby Sprinting
Speed
Strength
Aerobic
Capacity
Muscular
Endurance
Flexibility
Power
Reaction
Time
Agility
Balance
Co-
Ordination
Body
Type
Swimming X
Squash
Marathon
Tennis
Cycling
Rugby
Sprinting
X Country
Sking
Aerobics
Basketball
Judo
Gym
Vaulting
Badminton
Netball
Cricket