1. Chapter 9
Assessment of Fitness

2. Assessing Fitness
Assessment of Fitness

3. Reasons for Fitness Testing
Identify the athlete’s capability to perform certain tasks
Identify athlete’s strengths and weaknesses, which can be used to develop/evaluate a training program
Tests should be re-tested every 8-12 weeks to give coach-athlete feedback (one-off testing is pointless)
Testing can motivate athlete’s to strive for improvement in their fitness.
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

4. Lab vs. Field testing
Laboratory Tests; Assessment from expensive and sophisticated equipment in laboratories. Performed usually only at elite level (Sports institutes), but are very accurate (Eg. Maximal tests)
Field Tests; Commonly carried out, as they are simple and results are instantaneous. Commonly carried out in individual and team sports to gauge ones fitness levels and can are specific to the fitness components required in particular sports.
Maximal and Sub-maximal Testing
See Page 229

5. Lab Testing
Laboratory tests are those tests conducted under clinical laboratory conditions.
They are the preferred means of assessing fitness components (especially for elite athletes) because they provide the most accurate indication of functional abilities.
However, laboratory tests often require the use of expensive and sophisticated equipment, controlled environments, qualified personnel and considerable amounts of time to complete, which can prohibit their use.
An example of such a state-of-the-art fitness testing program is the annual AFL draft selection camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra. Some of the most promising young footballers across Australia vie for the attention of club recruiters during this camp. (See video later in PowerPoint)

6. Field Testing
The alternative to laboratory testing is a carefully chosen battery of easily administered field tests, using readily available and inexpensive equipment.
Such tests, although not as precise as laboratory tests, can provide accurate estimates or predictions of fitness levels.
They also allow simultaneous testing of large groups. Field tests are the type of fitness test that you will most often use in your Physical Education classes.
Complete the following in your notes:
Lab Testing
Field Testing
Definition
Advantages
Disadvantages

7. Direct and Indirect Testing
There are two broad approaches to testing – direct, maximal testing and indirect sub-maximal testing. Each has its advantages and disadvantages
Direct – lab equipment, HR monitor, etc
Indirect predictive measures/ equations
Direct testing tends to be confined to laboratories
Indirect sub-maximal testing tends to be used most often because it is easy to administer, requires less expertise and requires minimal effort.
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

8. See footage of VO2 max test
Field or lab test?
Advantages and disadvantages?
Direct or predictive measure?
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

9. VCE Physical Education - Unit 4
Absolute V02 / Relative V02?
Absolute V02 is the total amount of 02 consumed. It is measured in L/min
Relative V02 is the total amount of 02 consumed relative to your body size. It is a much greater reflection of a persons fitness. It is measured in mL/kg/min.
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

10. VCE Physical Education - Unit 4
Case Study
BOB
FRANK
Absolute V02
3.8L/min
Weight
105 60
Relative V02
36mL/kg/min
53mL/kg/min
Absolute V02 / Relative V02?
Its all about comparing apples with apples. As Frank is a smaller guy, but has a similar Absolute V02 – then considering his weight, he is much fitter and able to extract much more 02 than Bob per kg/min
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

11. The Evaluation Process
Select the fitness components to be tested (Via game analysis)
Select a suitable fitness test*
Collect the data scientifically
Analyse the data to determine strengths and weaknesses
Make decisions as to what to do with the test results
Design a training program to work on an athletes weaknesses and maintain their strengths
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

12. Each fitness test should be….
Relevant:
Specific:
Valid:
Reliable:
Work out the definitions for each protocol!
An appropriate fitness test should measure what it claims to measure. For example, if a test claims to measure aerobic capacity it should be of sufficient duration to test the capacity of this energy system.
Fitness tests must be able to be repeated with consistently accurate results. This is dependent upon a number of factors remaining constant.
The predominant energy systems and fitness components utilised in an activity should form the basis for the selection of tests.
Selected fitness should assess the performance capabilities of the relevant major muscle groups, and also the patterns and speeds of movement performed.

13. Test Selection Criteria
Each fitness test should be:
Relevant: Selected fitness should assess the performance capabilities of the relevant major muscle groups, and also the patterns and speeds of movement performed.
Specific: The predominant energy systems and fitness components utilised in an activity should form the basis for the selection of tests.
Valid: An appropriate fitness test must be valid in that it should measure what it claims to measure. For example, if a test claims to measure aerobic capacity it should be of sufficient duration to test the capacity of this energy system.
Reliable: Fitness tests must be able to be repeated with consistently accurate results. Reliability is dependent upon a number of factors remaining constant.
— The same warm-up should be performed.
— The same sequence of tests should be conducted.
— The same recovery period between tests should be provided.
— The athlete should be tested at approximately the same time of day.
— The athlete should be in a similar fluid and nutritional state.
— The environmental conditions of heat, humidity and air movement should be
similar.
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

14. 2015
2011

15. Pre-testing procedures
The following is a checklist of recommended procedures and precautions that should be followed before undertaking any form of fitness testing.
• The individual should be fully informed and familiarised with the procedures and format of the test(s).
• No food should be consumed immediately before the testing session. (approx 2hrs)
• Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn.
• Heavy or intense exercise should be avoided on the day prior to testing.
• The individual should give their consent and appropriate medical clearances should have been obtained.
• Untrained individuals should work at maximum intensities for short periods only, and their responses should be closely monitored. This is to ensure that they do not injure themselves or run the risk of overtaxing themselves.
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

16. VCE Physical Education - Unit 4
Standards and Norms
Where available, an athlete may make use of ‘norms’ (standards that are ‘normal’ or typical for a group) but caution should be exercised in referring to these norms.
Where norms are not available, the athlete should use personal bests (PB’s) as a guide.
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

17. Examples of a norm…

18. Protocols to follow before testing
Players’ rights and coaches’ responsibilities are an essential aspect of fitness and training.
Before any fitness tests are carried out, it is essential that:
all coaches and trainers clarify all testing procedures and risks to their athletes.
All athletes should be clearly informed about the nature of the fitness testing they are being directed to undertake, including:
aims of the testing
methods of testing
risks of the testing.
Athletes may also be required to give their informed consent for undertaking the testing, and acknowledge the confidentiality of the test results.
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

20. Fitness Tests
Assessment of Fitness

21. VCE Physical Education - Unit 4
Aerobic Capacity
Aerobic Capacity
Cooper’s 12 minute run
Step Tests
Harvard Step test
Queen’s College Step test
20m shuttle run test
1.6km jog test (1 mile)
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

22. VCE Physical Education - Unit 4
Anaerobic Capacity
The two measures of anaerobic capacity include
measurement of the capacity of the ATP–PC system and measurement of the capacity of the anaerobic glycolysis (lactic acid) system.
Tests to assess the capacity of the ATP–PC system need to include activities of short duration (0–10 seconds) and maximum intensity (100 per cent effort).
Tests to measure the capacity of the anaerobic glycolysis system need to be performed at maximal or near-maxima intensity (95−100 per cent) and be sustained for a period of time between 30−90 seconds.
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

23. Anaerobic Power/Speed
Phosphate recovery test
Repco peak power test
Sprint standing starts
50m sprint test
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

24. Muscular Endurance, Strength and Power
Sit ups
Push ups
Modified/pull ups
Muscular strength
Grip strength
Core muscle strength
Muscular Power
Standing Long Jump
Vertical Jump
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

25. VCE Physical Education - Unit 4
Flexibility
Flexibility
Sit and reach
Shoulder & wrist elevation
Trunk and neck extension
Shoulder rotation
Ankle extension / flexion
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

26. VCE Physical Education - Unit 4
Agility
Agility
Illinois agility test
Semo agility test
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

27. VCE Physical Education - Unit 4
Body Composition
BMI
Skinfold test
underwater weighing (hydrodensitometry),
waist-to-hip ratio.
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

28. VCE Physical Education - Unit 4
AIS / AFL draft combine
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

29. For each fitness component, you will need to know x2 tests to complete a fitness battery. Using the handouts and your chapter notes, select x2 tests for each fitness component Be sure to cut out and paste the procedure for each test. You will need to know these!

30. Health-related Fitness Components Skill-related Fitness Components
Test #1
Test #2
Health-related Fitness Components
Aerobic Capacity
i.e. 20m shuttle test
Queen’s College Step Test
Anaerobic Capacity
Muscular Strength
Local Muscular Endurance
Flexibility
Body Composition
Skill-related Fitness Components
Speed
Muscular Power
Agility
Coordination
Balance
Reaction Time
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

31. 2016

32. 2015

33. 2014

34. 2014 M/C
2014 Qn9 Continued…
(& over Page)

35. VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

36. VCE Physical Education - Unit 4
2013
VCE Physical Education - Unit 4

37. 2013