Understand and explain the principles of fitness testing
Validity of fitness test:
Validity is important in fitness testing because it relates to whether a performer is measuring what is
supposed to be measured. Without validity a test that does not actually measure the component of
fitness will be used. For example, if strength is measured with a sit and reach test the results would be
invalid and stunt the growth of progression for the performer. Therefore, it is important for a performer
to understand the purpose of the test and that the results relate to the component of fitness that has
been set out to be measured when they undertake the test.
The test should also target an element of fitness that is relevant for the sports performer being tested.
For example, it would be pointless to test a weightlifter to measure their reaction time but appropriate
or tailor to test them to measure their strength. Another instance is if a performer was to measure
aerobic running performance, then a measure of someone’s fifty metre swim time would have poor
validity, whereas a measure of the time it took for them to run five kilometres would be much more
valid.
For different sports performers the validity of fitness can either be direct or indirect for accurate and
precise results. The test for an aerobic fitness test can be an example of a direct test. The test is a
direct measurement of a performer's maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). This test is performed
in a lab where the actual amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide breathed in and out during maximal
exercise can be measured as it is breathed into a bag or tank. As this test directly measures the
maximal amount of oxygen used this is considered a very valid test to measure aerobic capacity. An
example of an indirect measure is the Astrand-Ryhming step test. Here VO2 max is predicted
(estimated) by an equation that considers factors such as heart rate after the test, weight and client
age.
Reliability of fitness tests:
Reliability is the potential to carry out the same test method and expect the same results. Reliable
fitness test is one which if repeated would give the same or similar results. However, reliability can be
claimed without results necessarily being correct. For example, if you always ask the wrong questions
in research, you will always get the same wrong answers. This will mean the test is reliable because
you have received the same wrong answers even though they are not accurate ones.
In quantitative research reliability can be one researcher conducting the same test on the same
individual on several occasions and getting the same or similar results. Alternatively, it can be different
researchers conducting the same test on the same individual and getting the same or similar results.
There are certain factors you should consider that can affect reliability. For example;
Errors can happen when you do not know how to use the equipment correctly
The equipment may be poorly maintained
The wrong type of equipment may be selected for the fitness test
Testing conditions may vary between tests. This may be when conducting a sprint test outside
the wind speed may affect the results.
Benchmarking data:
In order to complete the results of a fitness test, benchmarking data is what is mostly used. This is the
data gathered from several studies that allows a person to see a normal range of results and allows
judgment against the data to be made after it has been collected. Data can be separated into different
categories such as age and gender. This means a person can compare their results with similar groups.
Benchmarking data can also be used to compare the results of a person alongside ones of an elite
sports performer. By using this data, it enables the person to develop a fitness plan including target
setting.
Validity of fitness test:
Validity is important in fitness testing because it relates to whether a performer is measuring what is
supposed to be measured. Without validity a test that does not actually measure the component of
fitness will be used. For example, if strength is measured with a sit and reach test the results would be
invalid and stunt the growth of progression for the performer. Therefore, it is important for a performer
to understand the purpose of the test and that the results relate to the component of fitness that has
been set out to be measured when they undertake the test.
The test should also target an element of fitness that is relevant for the sports performer being tested.
For example, it would be pointless to test a weightlifter to measure their reaction time but appropriate
or tailor to test them to measure their strength. Another instance is if a performer was to measure
aerobic running performance, then a measure of someone’s fifty metre swim time would have poor
validity, whereas a measure of the time it took for them to run five kilometres would be much more
valid.
For different sports performers the validity of fitness can either be direct or indirect for accurate and
precise results. The test for an aerobic fitness test can be an example of a direct test. The test is a
direct measurement of a performer's maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max). This test is performed
in a lab where the actual amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide breathed in and out during maximal
exercise can be measured as it is breathed into a bag or tank. As this test directly measures the
maximal amount of oxygen used this is considered a very valid test to measure aerobic capacity. An
example of an indirect measure is the Astrand-Ryhming step test. Here VO2 max is predicted
(estimated) by an equation that considers factors such as heart rate after the test, weight and client
age.
Reliability of fitness tests:
Reliability is the potential to carry out the same test method and expect the same results. Reliable
fitness test is one which if repeated would give the same or similar results. However, reliability can be
claimed without results necessarily being correct. For example, if you always ask the wrong questions
in research, you will always get the same wrong answers. This will mean the test is reliable because
you have received the same wrong answers even though they are not accurate ones.
In quantitative research reliability can be one researcher conducting the same test on the same
individual on several occasions and getting the same or similar results. Alternatively, it can be different
researchers conducting the same test on the same individual and getting the same or similar results.
There are certain factors you should consider that can affect reliability. For example;
Errors can happen when you do not know how to use the equipment correctly
The equipment may be poorly maintained
The wrong type of equipment may be selected for the fitness test
Testing conditions may vary between tests. This may be when conducting a sprint test outside
the wind speed may affect the results.
Benchmarking data:
In order to complete the results of a fitness test, benchmarking data is what is mostly used. This is the
data gathered from several studies that allows a person to see a normal range of results and allows
judgment against the data to be made after it has been collected. Data can be separated into different
categories such as age and gender. This means a person can compare their results with similar groups.
Benchmarking data can also be used to compare the results of a person alongside ones of an elite
sports performer. By using this data, it enables the person to develop a fitness plan including target
setting.
