Module 4: Fitness Testing

Fitness testing and training

1. Fitness tests
2. Fitness test activity
3. Fitness test protocols
4. Test administration
5. Informed consent form and PAR-Q
6. Accurate fitness testing
7. Test selection and sequence
8. Fitness test order activity
9. Equipment
10. Fitness test data
11. Normative data

Accurate fitness testing

For fitness testing to be accurate you need to think about reliability, validity and practicality. The following definitions have been given by Barker, R. (2009) BTEC Level 2.

Reliability

Is the ability to carry out the same fitness test method again and expect the same results. Reliability is repeatability - the results obtained should be consistent.

• Can the test be repeated and reproduced exactly?
• A test is reliable if the results are consistent and repeatable over time

Validity

Is the accuracy of the results. This means whether the results you have recorded from the fitness test are a true reflection of what you are actually trying to measure.

• Does the test measure exactly what you want it to measure?
  • For example, a 10m sprint will not give you an indication of a person's top speed

Practicality

• Do you have the right equipment to perform the test?
• You must have access to the right equipment when choosing the most appropriate test.
• You also need adequate time and facilities to perform an effective fitness testing session.