Unit 6.2 Flashcards
Outline the importance of specificity
Ensuring the test is specific to the performer
e.g. correct fitness test used
and correct environment (swimmers in pools)
Outline the importance of accuracy
Ensures equipment used can be precise in recording data
If equipment is not calibrated/ zeroed - validity and reliability are questionable.
Outline the importance of reliability
Degree to which you can produce the similar results from one occasion to another when adhering to the test.
Reasons for Fitness Testing:
- Identify strengths and weaknesses of an athlete
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a training program
- To measure fitness levels following injury or offseason
- To assist in setting goals
Discuss the importance of study design in sport science
Identifying research question (e.g specific problem identified)
Then think about variables:
Independent (variables which will be changed and manipulated)
Dependent (Variable that the study is depending on, this is what you are measuring)
Make a hypothesis: predicting what will happen based upon limited info
Or a null hypothesis: opposite of the hypothesis
Review testing:selection of suitable/appropriate statistical tests needs to be specific accurate, reliable and valid. Check if retesting is applicable (e.g. T -test, correlation)
Look at how data collection will happen, which one is best.
Look at controls and how you can control this study those include:
Placebo a non-active substance or condition administered instead of a drug or active agent (given to the control group)
Double-Blind Procedure-an experimental procedure where both the research
participants and those collecting the data do not know what the expected outcome of the experiment will be
Blind Procedure- an experimental procedure where the participants are not aware of what they are being tested for
Randomization- randomly assigned sample groups
Recognize the limitations of the study:
Acknowledgement of the limitations of the study, adv and disadvantages, things impoortant to know
Ethics need to be considered, no alcohol, no blood test, no drugs
Adherence to health and safety: Taking a PARQ, appropriate warm ups and cool down, ensure subjects can stop if needed
Make a conclusion: with the outcome and results
Informed consent from the subjects: shows they are performing at their own will, and provided written consent
Outline the importance of the PAR-Q
Assesses the readiness for an individual
to partake in a general training program
- determining one’s readiness for physical activity involvement is a important first step in the fitness assessment and exercise prescription process;
- the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) has been recommended prior to low to moderate exercise involvement;
- PAR-Q can be self-administered at one’s own convenience e.g. in one’s own home;
- PAR-Q is composed of seven questions that have been shown to be sensitive for detection of pre existing medical conditions/injuries;
- if an answer is yes to one or more of the PAR-Q questions it is essential to consult/talk with your doctor before commencing an exercise programme;
- if the answer is no to all PAR-Q questions, it can be reasonably assumed that it is safe to become more physically active;
- the possibility of undetected serious disease is diminished by administering the PAR-Q;
- the PAR-Q not only helps you determine your readiness to begin exercise, it also determines your readiness to intensify a physical activity/exercise programme;
- PAR-Q is designated to prevent sudden death syndrome;
- PAR-Q is designated to prevent muscle/joint/bone injuries;
Evaluate field test
Field Tests - tests in the actual context/environment
ex. sprint test from home to first base in baseball
running beep test, swimming beep test, illinois agilitty
Advantages
- specific to the sport
- conducted in the sporting environment
- cheaper
- increased ecological validity
- easier to repeat
Disadvantages
- environment can alter test results
- much planning in testing administration
- relies on estimation of data
- low internal validity
-Not as accurate
-Not as reliable
Evaluate laboratory test
Laboratory Tests - test in a lab
ex. measuring vo2 max while running on a treadmill at a lab
Advantages
- controlled environment
- sport specific equipment
- stimulate sport’s demands
- uses specific equipment
Disadvantages
- not always accessible
- limited value assessing team sports
- not conducted in the sport environment
- expensive
- need expertise
Evaluate Sub-maximal Tests
athlete works below maximum effort and data is extrapolated to
estimate maximum capacity
ex. Harvard step test
Advantages
- prevents injury over exertion
- easy and safe to conduct
- time and cost efficient
+ More common and easy to access
+More comparable with normative data
Disadvantages
- depends on extrapolation
- small measurement inaccuracies can
result in large discrepancies
-level of motivation required
Evaluate Maximal Tests
Advantages
- measurements can be more accurate
- simple to set up and conduct
- more than one athlete can be tested at
once
- can be done indoors and outdoors
Disadvantages
-Difficult to enforce or measure maximum effort; validity
-Depends on motivation; reliability
-Possible dangers and risk of injury (ethical implications)
-Not suitable for all groups; unfit, elderly
e.g. 30 m sprint
Validity
Ensuring the test is suitable for the desired outcome
