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

Test selection and sequence

The fitness tests carried out need to reflect the components of fitness largely involved in the performers sport. As most sports use all fitness components at some point, it is important to ensure all fitness components are tested.

It is possible to complete a variety of tests in one day. However, the sequence in which these tests are carried out is very important and could have a huge impact on the results. Here is a suggested order in which the tests can be carried out:

1. Body composition (Skin fold test)
2. Power (vertical jump)
3. Strength (grip strength)
4. Agility (agility drill)
5. Speed (40m sprint)
6. Endurance (multi-stage fitness test)

• Anthropometric tests go first because the performer is not sweating; therefore it is easier to take the measurements as the callipers will not slip on dry skin.
• Power tests are next so that the performer is not tired to get an accurate reading.
• You can then move onto agility, speed and finally the endurance tests; the testing sequence is based on the recovery time of the energy systems.

There may be circumstances when you have to adapt the order due to facilities or availability of equipment. Remember to record the order in which the tests were carried out so that future tests can be carried out in the same order to have consistency in results. This will also help to maintain reliability.

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