FITNESS TESTING Flashcards
(15 cards)
what are the reasons for fitness testing
- identifying strengths and weaknesses
- can help to design programs
- monitor progress
- evaluate training effectiveness
- comparisons with other athletes/normative data
- set goals
- identifying talents
- assess risk factors
- inform team selection/positioning
what are lab tests
assessments of an individuals physical fitness, performance or physiological parameters in a controlled, indoor environment typically equipped with specialised instruments and equipment
what are field tests
assessment of an individuals physical fitness, performance, or skills in a real world or outdoor setting that closely mimics/simulates the conditions of the specific sport or activity
what are the advantages of lab based tests
external variables are controlled (temperature/weather)
accuracy and precision
specialist supervision
specific measurements
repeatable - standardised
what are the disadvantages lab based tests
expensive
time consuming
limited realism - not replicating sport
accessibility - not for large groups and only for elite
not portable
what are the advantages of field based tests
realistic conditions
cost effective
easy no equipment needed
time efficient
accessible
can be done in large groups - large data sets
what are the disadvantages of field based tests
less accurate
environmental variables can affect result
limited specificity
reliability issues/human errors
environment cant be replicated
more difficult to measure internal data e.g. VO2 MAX
not standardised
what are some examples of lab based tests
vo2 max test - measuring aerobic power/capacity
lactate threshold test - measures point at which lactate builds up in the blood stream that is higher than resting levels
Wingate test - measures peak anaerobic power capacity and fatigue
describe the vo2 max test
measures the maximum amount of oxygen that can be taken in and utilized by the body during maximal exercise. typically done on a treadmill or bike, where the exercise gets progressively harder until you reach your maximum
how do you know if you/the athlete has reached their vo2
plateau in vo2 despite increased workload
RER above 1.1
HR within 5-10 of max heart rate
blood lactate level above 8mmol/L
RPE of 20 (rate of perceived exhaustion)
what is RER
respiratory exchange ratio
measurement used to determine the mix of fuel sources (carbs/fats) the body uses during exercise
ratio of co2 produced to the vol of o2 consumed
RER=Vco2/Vo2
(the higher the RER the worse you utilise oxygen)
maximal tests
reliable and objective
however:
it is difficult to know whether the athlete has reached maximal
it is difficult to stay motivated and dangerous
sub maximal tests
aren’t exhausting so don’t need as much motivation
however:
can be inaccurate
what is validity
how accurate a test/equipment is in measurement
whether it measures what it is supposed to
what is reliability
how easily replicable the outcome is
(same result in the same conditions)
