Fitness Tests and Their Limitations
The named fitness test for each component of fitness, why athletes test their fitness, the limitations of fitness testing, and the difference between qualitative and quantitative data.
Justify the choices, the way you are assessed
Free interactive practice on the decisions the assessment actually asks you to justify.
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Measuring fitness
To improve, an athlete first needs to know how fit they are. Fitness tests measure each part of fitness in a set way, so results can be compared and progress tracked. Each component has its own recognised test. This module looks at the named tests, why we use them, and where they fall short.
Testing words
Learn these four terms before you study the tests.
Two kinds of data
Fitness tests can give two kinds of data, and numbers are easier to compare.
Match the test, skip the Cooper run
A top answer names the exact test for each component. Note that this specification does NOT use a Cooper run or a twelve-minute run. For cardiovascular endurance the bleep test is used instead. Always match each component to its one correct test, and follow the set procedure so the result stays valid.
Match the test
- agility
- cardiovascular endurance
- flexibility
- reaction time
- Illinois Agility Test
- Multi-Stage Fitness Test
- Sit and Reach Test
- Ruler Drop Test
What does it measure?
- Vertical Jump Test
- Handgrip Dynamometer Test
- 30 Metre Sprint Test
- Stork Stand Test
- measures power in the legs
- measures grip strength
- measures speed
- measures balance
Test the heart and lungs
Which test measures cardiovascular endurance?
- The Multi-Stage Fitness Test.
- The Illinois Agility Test.
- The Sit and Reach Test.
- The Ruler Drop Test.
Limits of testing
Select the TWO true limitations of fitness testing.
- Many tests are not specific to a real sport.
- They do not copy real competitive conditions.
- They always give a perfectly exact result.
- They need no set procedure to be valid.
Run a test fairly
Put the steps of running a fitness test in order, earliest first.
- Choose the correct test for the component
- Follow the set procedure exactly
- Measure and record the result
- Compare the result with normal ranges
Name the tests
The test for cardiovascular endurance is the _____-Stage Fitness Test. Flexibility is measured by the _____ and Reach test. Grip strength is measured with a _____. Reaction time is measured with the _____ Drop test. Speed is measured over a _____ metre sprint.
Mean test score
A student does the sit and reach test three times and scores 22, 24 and 26 centimetres. Add the three scores and divide by 3 to find the mean. What is the mean in centimetres?
Find the strength tests
Tap the TWO tests that measure strength or power.
- Handgrip Dynamometer Test
- Vertical Jump Test
- Sit and Reach Test
- Ruler Drop Test
Pick the right test
Read what each coach wants to measure and choose the correct test.
- A coach wants to measure how quickly a player can change direction
- A coach wants to measure a runner cardiovascular endurance
- A coach wants to measure how far a gymnast can reach and stretch
Explain the testing
Name the correct fitness test for three different components of fitness, and explain one limitation of fitness testing.
- Name three components and the test used for each
- Say what each test measures
- Explain one limitation of fitness testing