Fitness Testing

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Fitness Testing Guide

Conducting Tests

Test Sequence

Testing order can affect performance in some tests. Blood pressure and resting heart rate should always be tested first. Some tests should be scheduled early in the session as they should not be preceded by a warm up (e.g. some flexibility tests). If there are several muscular strength and endurance tests in one session, you must allow plenty of time for recovery between tests. Exhausting tests, such as a VO_2max test, should be scheduled for a separate session, or at least at the end of a session. Other tests based on a heart rate response (e.g. many submaximal endurance tests) may be affected by previous tests and by the mental state of the athlete, and should be scheduled accordingly.

Scheduling

Testing should be done performed at particular times that correspond to the aims of the tests. For example, you may wish to test at the beginning of certain phases of training, and then at regular intervals to monitor progress. For school groups it may be appropriate to schedule testing at the beginning and ends of school semesters.

Safety

Safety checks should be done prior to any testing session, such as checking for the proper working of equipment, and adequate supply of safety equipment such as mats, water bottles and first aid kits. During the sessions, give adequate warm-up when necessary. For maximal endurance testing on elderly and special populations (after medical clearance has been given), medical assistance should be close at hand, and adequate resuscitation equipment should be available nearby .

Any person older than 35 years of age, particularly anyone overweight or with a history of high blood pressure and heart disease, should consult a physician before undertaking any vigorous testing. Fitness testing should not be avoided, as for this population it can be useful as a screening device and to help devise a program to suit special needs. For all participants that are not accustomed to exercise, it would be wise to conduct a PARQ - Physical Readiness Questionnaire.

Recording Sheets

Well-designed scoring sheets make recording scores more efficient and avoids errors. They should include space for all relevant information. In addition to the test results, the following should also be recorded with every testing session:

date and time of testing
personal details (name, age, contact details)
current state of the athlete (fitness level, any injuries, health status, fatigue level, sleep)
activity details (sport involved in, event)
basic physiological data (weight, resting heart rate)
current training phase (e.g. speed, speed endurance, strength, technique)
current training load (the number of miles, the number of sets and repetitions, the number of attempts)
current training intensity (kilograms, percentage of maximum, percentage of VO2)
environmental and surface conditions (wet, slippery, wind, temperature, humidity, indoors?). See more info about measuring WBGT
name of assessors

Test Assistants

All test assistants should be adequately trained prior to testing, to ensure correct administration of the tests, and reduce error between testers.

Session Organization

Good organization will ensure the testing session runs smoothly. If testing a large group, you may want to set up testing stations with a different tester at each station, or with one tester following the same group around the stations.

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