Requirements for administration of each fitness test

Requirements for administration of each fitness test

Fitness Test Administration Requirements

General Preparation

  • A standardised procedure should be followed to ensure validity and reliability of the fitness test.
  • The subject should be informed about the test in advance including the purpose and what it will involve.
  • The subject should be in a good physical health. Health screening should be undertaken prior to the fitness test. Any concerns about the subject’s health should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
  • All the equipment required for the test should be arranged beforehand and it should be in good working condition.
  • The subject should have completed a warm-up before starting the test. This can help to prevent injuries and improve performance during the test.

Test-Specific Requirements

Maximum Aerobic Fitness Tests (VO2max) - Multi Stage Fitness Test

  • The Multi Stage Fitness Test, more commonly known as the bleep test, requires a flat, non-slip surface and cones to mark the 20m track.
  • Players run continuously between two points 20m apart, following the pace set by the bleeps. The bleeps gradually get closer together, requiring a faster pace.
  • The test involves a fair degree of motivation and is best administered in groups.

Muscular Endurance - Press-up Test

  • The press-up test assesses upper body muscular endurance.
  • Start the test from a standard press-up position. Lower your body until your elbows reach a right angle, then push back up.
  • Repeat this as many times as possible without rest.
  • The subject should maintain correct form throughout.

Flexibility - Sit and Reach Test

  • The sit and reach test requires a sit and reach box.
  • The subject sits on the floor with legs fully extended and reaches forward along the measure as far as possible.
  • The test should be repeated three times, and the furthest distance reached should be recorded.

Body Composition - Body Mass Index (BMI)

  • The subject’s weight and height need to be accurately measured.
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by dividing weight (in kgs) by height (in meters squared).

Strength - Grip Dynamometer Test

  • Grip strength is measured using a hand-held dynamometer.
  • The subject should apply a maximum isometric effort for at least 5 seconds.
  • The subject should avoid any extraneous body movement when performing the test.

Post-Test Procedures

  • Following each fitness test, cool down activities should be performed to help the body recover and reduce the risk of injury.
  • Data should be recorded and analysed immediately post-test while details are still fresh.
  • Feedback should be given to the subject about their performance in a constructive and sensitive manner. This can focus on areas for improvement and help to set future fitness goals.