Laboratory and Field based Fitness Assessment

The aims for this module are set into the context of the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and they relate to the SEEC level descriptors for level 5 study.

The aims of this module are to:

• Develop an understanding of how and why the physiological factors underpin performance in exercise testing.
• Critically analyse key laboratory skills and protocols established in the core physiology modules
• Provide a strong theoretical basis to exercise testing and interpretation that informs its application in sport and exercise
• Develop an advanced understanding of the physiological basis to exercise testing along with practical skills and a statistical understanding of the validity, precision and reliability of tests.
• Discuss and evaluate issues of good practice, safety, informed consent, ethics and lawful practice.

In relation to the QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications and the SEEC level descriptors for level 5 study, by the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Explain the regulation and adjustment of physiological systems during fitness assessment
2. Identify, select, design and perform appropriate procedures of fitness assessment for specific populations and settings
3. Evaluate the validity, precision and reliability of these tests, including a discussion of the ethics of fitness assessment  and safe practice
4. Interpret and effectively communicate the results of fitness assessment using appropriate language.

Practical skills associated with fitness assessment: Writing a client / athlete report; ethical consideration risk-assessment, pre-screening, informed consent and ethical issues.

Fitness assessment related to study design and study control: habituation, circadian rhythms, test specificity etc; statistical quantification of reliability, precision and sensitivity.

The determinants of fitness:

• Aerobic capacity: Direct measures e.g. maximal oxygen uptake, the lactate response to exercise; and comparison to indirect estimates including laboratory and field testing, e.g. Conconi’s, test Astrand-Rhyming test, shuttle test.
• Testing for anaerobic ability including strength and speed: Wingate test, power-velocity relationship, performance-based tests in the field.
• Agility and flexibility.
• Repeated sprint ability.

Specific populations: selecting and/or designing tests appropriate for different disease states, age groups (paediatrics, elderly etc), fitness states (elite vs. sedentary), special population e.g. amputees.

Field-testing: theory and practice

There will be a strong laboratory focus that will help students in understanding the theory and enable them to develop their laboratory skills. 

Contact time:

• Lectures / seminars
• Laboratory practicals

Non contact study:

• Directed reading
• Performance of case study
• Preparation of Portfolio

Books:

Gore, C. J. (2000). Physiological tests for elite athletes. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Maud, P. J., and Foster, C. (2006). Physiological assessment of human fitness. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Whaley, M. H., Brubaker, P. H., Otto, R. M., and Armstrong, L. E. (2006). ACSM's guidelines for exercise testing and prescription. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Winter, E. M., Jones, A. M., Davison, R. C. R., Bromley, P. D., Mercer, T. H. (2007). Sport and Exercise Physiology Testing Guidelines. London: Routledge. 

Journals:

Journal of Sports Sciences

Sports Medicine