CSCS- Testing and Data Evaluation

Which of the following does not measure force output at a high velocity?

One rep maximum bench press Testing force output at a high-velocity measures maximal muscular power. A one-rep maximum bench press does not measure force output at a high velocity. Maximal strength tests, including the 1RM bench press, are usually performed at low movement speeds and are a good measure of low-speed muscular strength. Tests of anaerobic or maximum muscular power (high-speed strength) measure the ability to produce high force at maximal movement speed. Examples of anaerobic power tests include 1RM explosive exercises such as the power clean, the vertical jump, and the time to sprint up stairs.

Which of the following tests would be used to assess flexibility?

Overhead squat The overhead squat is a measure of flexibility and competency is scored as pass/fail. To perform this test, an athlete performs a squat movement while holding a wooden dowel (or a barbell) directly overhead with the arms straight. To pass this test, the athlete should be able squat low enough so that the hip crease is below knee height at the bottom of the movement, while keeping the heels down, the torso upright, and the wooden dowel comfortably overhead throughout the entire movement. The hexagon test is a test measuring agility, and the yo-yo intermittent test is a measure of aerobic capacity.

According to the US Army standard, what is the low position for females in the push-up local endurance test?

Upper arms parallel to the floor The Army standard testing protocol is the same for both males and females. Individuals must get low enough for the upper arms to be parallel to the floor in order for repetitions to count. The ACSM provides a different testing protocol. According to the ACSM guidelines, males should touch their chest to the ground, while there is not a specified standard for females. A recommended depth is for females to touch their chest to a 4-inch foam roller placed on the ground directly under their chest.

Which of the following tests would be the least recommended for a young athlete with little training experience?

1 rep max back squat When selecting tests, the safety of the athlete is always the priority. 1RM testing requires an adequate training status and lifting experience because the assessment of maximal strength places significant stress on the involved muscles, connective tissues, and joints. A young athlete with little training experience is not a good candidate for testing of a 1RM. Resistance training can be beneficial for young athletes as long as considerations are made for each individual athlete to ensure precautions are made to ensure athlete safety. The 12-minute run test may not be a valid test for an athlete with little experience, but the 1RM test presents a greater concern for the athlete's safety.

Which of the following tests should be completed last during a testing battery?

1.5-mile run A 1.5-mile run should be completed last during a testing battery because it is considered an aerobic capacity test. This is based on the following order of testing: Non-fatiguing tests (height, weight, etc.) Agility tests (pro-agility) Max strength or power tests (1RM squat, 1RM power clean) Sprint tests (40-yard dash) Muscular endurance tests (push-up) Anaerobic capacity tests (300-yard shuttle) Aerobic capacity tests (1.5-mile run)

What is the standard recommended load increase per set for a lower body exercise when conducting 1RM testing?

10-20% The standard protocol for conducting 1RM testing includes performing multiple warm-up sets prior to the first testing attempt. Each warm-up set should get progressively heavier. The standard recommendation is to increase the load by 30 to 40 lbs or 10 to 20%, whichever is more appropriate for the individual. Those whose estimated 1RM is lighter will generally follow the 10 to 20% recommendation. This same increase is recommended between 1RM attempts. However, it can certainly be adjusted based on how much of a challenge the attempt was for the individual. If an individual fails a 1RM attempt, they can either repeat the same weight or decrease the load by 5 to 10%.

Which of the following tests would be least affected by a hot and humid testing environment?

100-meter sprint Testing conditions are an important consideration when evaluating test results. The tests most affected by heat and humidity are anaerobic and aerobic capacity tests. Therefore, a 100-meter sprint, which is a speed test, would be least affected by a hot and humid environment. Even more important than test results, athlete safety is at risk when training, competing, or testing in a hot and humid environment. Athletes should be adequately prepared; they should wear light-colored clothing, make sure they are hydrated before activity, and drink plenty of water to stay adequately hydrated. If temperature (80 degrees or more) and humidity (over 50%) levels are significant, it may be inadvisable and unsafe to train or test athletes until conditions improve.

Use the Karvonen method to determine the target heart rate range (THRR) that corresponds to working at an intensity of 60-70% for a 25-year-old athlete with a resting heart rate of 60 bpm

141 to 155 bpm The Karvonen method determines an individual's target heart rate range (THRR) using their age and resting heart rate. Here are the steps for calculation: 1. Find Age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR): 220 - age 220 - 25 = 195 bpm AMPHR according to the athlete's age 2. Determine Heart rate reserve (HRR): APMHR - Resting heart rate (RHR) 195 - 60 = 135 bpm according to the athlete's resting heart rate 3. Determine target heart rate (THR): (HRR x exercise intensity) + RHR 60% intensity: (135 x .60) + 60 = 81 + 60 = 141 bpm 70% intensity: (135 x .70) + 60 = 94.5 + 60 = 154.5 bpm This athlete's target heart rate range (THHR) = 141 to 155 bpm

When testing body composition, what is the desired body fat percent range for a 21-year-old female downhill skier?

15 to 20% There are no universally accepted norms for body composition; however, getting too low in body fat percentage can put a female athlete at risk for the female athlete triad. The triad consists of interrelationships between energy availability, menstrual function, and bone mineral density. Regarding testing data for athletic for women, anything below 15% is considered extremely lean, and downhill skiers have an average body fat percentage of 19 to 20 percent. A healthy range could include anything between 15 and 20%.

Athletes are performing their attempts at the 1RM bench press. What is the minimum amount of time that should be given between attempts?

2 to 4 minutes When performing one rep max testing, the athlete should take a 2 to 4 minute rest period to allow for complete recovery before the next attempt either at the same weight or a heavier weight, depending on the success of the previous lift. Whether the lift was successful or unsuccessful, a 2 to 4 minute rest period is provided, then the weight is adjusted.

When conducting the 300-yard shuttle test, how many trials are performed, and how much rest is required between trials?

2 trials with a 5-minute rest between trials The 300-yard shuttle test measures anaerobic capacity. Athletes are timed on how long it takes them to complete 300 total yards by running back and forth between lines that are 25 yards apart. After the first trial is completed, a 5-minute rest is provided, after which the test is repeated, and the athlete is timed again. The athlete's score is the average of their two times. Therefore, performance on both trials is important. Athletes are often required to expend large amounts of energy in multiple bursts throughout a competition. Those who have better anaerobic capacity can maintain their level of performance longer during a practice or competition. Athletes with better anaerobic capacity will not experience as much of a decline in performance on the second trial of the 300-yard shuttle test.

How many curl-ups are performed per minute in the partial curl-up test?

20 The partial curl-up is a test that measures abdominal muscular endurance. Using a metronome set to 40 beats per minute, the individual curls up on one metronome beat and then lowers back to the floor on the next beat. Maintaining this pace, 20 curl-ups are performed each minute. The individual continues to curl-up until they can no longer maintain the set tempo or they complete 75 repetitions.

During speed testing what is the minimum distance needed beyond the finish line to allow for deceleration?

20 yards For safety reasons, there should be an adequate deceleration zone beyond the finish line when conducting speed testing. This allows the athletes to reduce their speed slowly instead of stopping abruptly. Stopping too quickly can increase injury risk. The minimum distance that should be provided is 20 yards. Other safety considerations for speed testing include: Ensuring there is a flat running surface Providing an adequate warm up or allowing time for athletes to warm up thoroughly Proper footwear

When testing for anaerobic capacity using the 300-yard shuttle, how many yards apart are the two cones between which the athlete must sprint?

25 yards Cone one is the starting position, and cone two is 25 yards away.On an auditory signal, the athlete sprints to cone two and immediately sprints back to the starting line at cone one. They will continue to sprint back and forth between the two cones without stopping in order to make six round trips as fast as possible. (6 x 50 yd = 300 yd). This test measures an athlete's anaerobic capacity.

What body fat percentage would be classified as average for a female?

25% Body fat percentage classifications are different for males and females. What is considered extremely lean for a female (15%) is considered average for a male. It is not always desirable to work toward a lower body fat percentage. The optimal body fat percentage is different for different sports, sport positions, and even between individuals in the same sport or position. An average body fat percentage for a female is between 21 and 25%. 16 to 18% is considered very lean, and 19 to 20% is considered leaner than average.

A group of ten athletes performed a vertical jump test and received scores of 28, 29.5, 24, 30, 27, 28, 32.5, 30.5, 26, and 27 inches. What is the median of this group of scores?

28 The median is the middlemost score of a group of scores ordered from lowest to highest. With an even number of scores, the median is the average of the two middlemost scores. It is a measure of central tendency, sometimes even better than the mean. 24, 26, 27, 27, 28, 28, 29.5, 30, 30.5, 32.5

How many trials should be allowed when conducting jump testing for the vertical jump, reactive jump, and standing long jump?

3 Individuals should be allowed to make three attempts when performing jumps during testing. The best score should be recorded. Performance often improves after the initial jump. However, performing too many attempts can result in fatigue and decreased performance. Therefore, the guidelines for jump testing suggest allowing three attempts.

If an athlete performs multiple attempts of a maximum effort test, what is the minimum amount of time that should be provided between attempts for sufficient rest?

3 minutes When conducting athletic performance testing, athletes will often perform multiple attempts of the same test. When a test requires a maximum effort and substantially taxes the athlete, the athlete should be provided with at least a three-minute rest before performing their next attempt. If the test does not require a maximum effort and the athlete is not significantly taxed by their attempt, then there should be a minimum of two minutes of rest between attempts. When the athlete is performing a test battery (multiple different tests in a row), there should be a minimum of five minutes of rest provided between tests.

How long does it take to perform the maximum number of repetitions on the partial curl-up test?

3 minutes and 45 seconds The partial curl-up test measures abdominal muscle endurance. To perform the test, the individual being tested performs partial curl-ups to the cadence of a metronome set to 40 beats per minute. They curl up on one beat and lower back down on the next beat. Therefore, they perform 20 curl-ups per minute. The individual continuously performs curl-ups to the metronome for as many reps as possible; until they can no longer perform any more repetitions or they complete 75 repetitions, which is the maximum number of repetitions for this test. At a pace of 20 repetitions per minute, it takes 3 minutes and 45 seconds to perform 75 repetitions.

When conducting a 1RM test, approximately how many testing attempts should it take to determine the 1RM?

3 to 5 attempts When adhering to the protocols for 1RM testing, an individual should perform approximately 3 to 5 attempts to determine their max strength for that exercise. The testing process should begin by performing warm-up sets, increasing the weight with each set to prepare the individual to perform their first attempt. If an attempt is successful, the load can be increased for the next attempt. If an attempt is not successful, the next attempt can be made at the same weight, or the load on the bar can be decreased, depending on the quality of the previous attempt. The load should be increased or decreased until the true 1RM is determined; this should occur within 3 to 5 attempts.

Anaerobic capacity is quantified as maximal power output achieved during activity lasting how long?

30 to 90 seconds Anaerobic capacity describes an individual's maximal rate of combined energy production between the ATP/CP system and anaerobic glycolysis during moderate-duration activities. Tests of anaerobic capacity measure maximal power output over durations of 30 to 90 seconds. Maximal anaerobic power tests and max strength tests last no longer than 10 seconds, while aerobic capacity tests often last 5 minutes or more.

A hockey coach suspects that the athletes lack endurance during a game. Which of the following tests would provide the most insight into this suspicion?

300-yard shuttle Hockey is an anaerobic sport, so testing the athletes' anaerobic endurance would give the best insight into a lack of endurance that persists throughout a game. The 300-yard shuttle would be the best test because it is categorized as a fatiguing anaerobic capacity test, which tests the correct metabolic energy system. The test is performed by the athlete running straight out 25 yards, then turning around and sprinting back. The shuttle is repeated six times to total 300 yards.

A strength and conditioning professional is conducting pre-season testing for the soccer team. Which of the following tests is best performed on a separate day from the other tests?

300-yard shuttle It is important to schedule testing in a way that promotes optimal performance. To obtain valid testing results, it is best if athletes are not fatigued when they perform a test. For this reason, tests should never be performed after a training session. When multiple tests are performed on the same day, tests need to be scheduled so that participation in one test does not affect performance a subsequent test. Anaerobic and aerobic capacity tests are very taxing, and ideally should be performed on a separate testing day so that test results are not affected by fatigue experienced on another test. Therefore, tests such as the 300-yard shuttle and the yo-yo intermittent recovery test are best performed on a different day than other testing. If they must be performed on the same day as other tests, it is important to place them last in the testing battery. Tests of maximal strength, such as the 1RM back squat, and speed, such as the 40-meter sprint, can be conducted on the same day. Sufficient rest must be provided to help ensure the validity of test results.

If an athlete completes a pro-agility test in five seconds, what was their average speed during the test?

4 yards per second Speed is measured by dividing the total distance covered by the time taken to cover that distance. The pro-agility test involves covering a total distance of 20 yards (5 yards from the middle to one lateral cone, 10 yards to the other lateral cone, and 5 yards back through the middle). Speed = 20 yards / 5 seconds = 4 yards per second

When an athlete performs the T-test, what is the total distance covered during an attempt?

40 yards The T-test involves four cones set up like a T, with three cones making the top of the T, each 5 yards apart, and a fourth cone that is 10 yards down from the middle top cone. The distance covered is the initial 10-yard sprint, followed by a 5-yard shuffle to a side cone, a 10-yard shuffle to the opposite cone, another 5-yard shuffle to the middle top cone, and backpedals for the last 10 yards. 10 + 5 + 10 + 5 + 10 = 40 yards

What is the best test to use for measuring maximum speed?

40-yard sprint Speed measures how fast an athlete can cover a specified distance and is usually measured in seconds. Shorter sprints, such as a 10-yard sprint, measure acceleration. Longer sprints, such as the 40-yard sprint, measure maximum speed, sometimes called top-end speed. Sprints longer than 100 meters are typically not used to measure speed, as sprints over these distances are better measures of anaerobic or aerobic capacity rather than speed.

In the T-Test, the athlete sprints an initial 10 yards to a center cone. How far apart are the right and left cones from the center cone?

5 yards The T-Test is a common test for athletes that involves sprinting, shuffling, and backpedaling. Four cones are set up as shown in the image. The athlete starts at the bottom of the T. When the test begins, the athlete sprints forward to the center cone, then shuffles five yards to the left cone and then ten yards all the way to the right cone and then five yards back to the center cone. Finally, the athlete backpedals back to the cone at the starting line. The left and right cones are five yards away from the top center cone.

What is a typical body fat percentage for male decathletes?

8-10% There is a wide range of appropriate and typical body fat percentages for athletes in different sports. Decathletes have a typical body fat percentage of 8 to 10%, which is classified as very lean. Male athletes with extremely lean body fat percentages (below 7%) include bodybuilders when prepped for a contest. Male athletes with the highest typical body fat percentages (18 to 22%) include American football linemen and track and field throwers that compete in the shot put.

What is the minimum number of stair steps needed to set up the Margaria-Kalamen test?

9 The Margaria-Kalamen test measures maximum muscular power (high-speed strength). Equipment needed is a staircase with nine or more steps, each approximately 7 inches high, as well as a lead-up area of at least 20 feet. The lead-up area needs to be both straight and flat. The athlete will sprint up the stairs, stepping on every third step (steps 3, 6 and 9). Timing devices are placed on the third and ninth steps, so the athlete can see how fast they move from stair 3 to stair 9. The athlete's power is measured (in watts) by multiplying the athlete's weight (in newtons) by the height difference between stairs 3 and 9 (in meters) divided by the time (in seconds) it took the athlete to get from stair 3 to stair 9. Power = weight x height/time

A previously untrained 23-year-old female has the following initial testing results: Partial curl-up: 15 Push-up: 4 Sit and reach: 15 inches 1.5-mile run: 13:10 Which of the following parameters will not need to be addressed in her training program?

Aerobic energy system capabilities Knowing a range of averages for the basic strength and conditioning tests is important. This person's upper body strength, core strength, and flexibility scores are all well below average and would be considered poor. However, the 1.5-mile run time was much better; this is an above average score compared to other females in their 20s.

A test involves a rapid start, followed by a quick stop and a change of direction. What athletic ability is being measured?

Agility Agility is a performance component and is measured by an individual's ability to start, stop, and change direction quickly. Common tests of agility include the T-test, 505 agility, and pro agility tests. True agility includes both the physical abilities described above as well as the cognitive ability to anticipate what needs to happen and react quickly. Both physical and cognitive components of agility are important on the athletic field during sporting events.

Which of the following athletic abilities should a DI collegiate football athlete work on if they have a 500 pound 1RM squat, 350 pound 1RM bench press, a 30" vertical jump, and a pro-agility time of 6 seconds?

Agility Knowing a range of average testing scores for the different athlete populations in the basic strength and conditioning tests is important. For DI collegiate football players: An average 1RM bench press is 300 pounds or moreAn average 1RM squat is around 400 pounds or moreA vertical jump above the mid-20s is above average for most athletes in various sports An average pro agility time is around 4.50 seconds Using this information, we can see that our athlete needs to work on their pro agility time because it is slower than average and their lowest percentile rank of all their tests.

The Wingate test would be valid for measuring which of the following parameters of athletic performance?

Anaerobic or maximum muscular power Anaerobic power is a measure of the ability to apply a high force output at high speed. Testing this ability requires measurement of high power output over a very short duration. Common tests of anaerobic power include a vertical jump and a 1RM power clean. The Wingate test provides another option of measuring peak anaerobic power, while also providing a measurement of average power (over the 30-second test) as well as a fatigue index. This test uses a cycle ergometer and requires the athlete to pedal at a maximum rate against resistance (determined by a combination of experience and body weight). Work is determined by multiplying the resistance by the pedal rpms completed within each 5-second interval. Power is then calculated for each 5-second interval as work divided by time (5 seconds). Peak power would be the highest power output achieved during the 30-second test.

The scientific study of measurements of the human body, including measurements of height, weight, and body girth is known as:

Anthropometry Anthropometry is the scientific study of measurements of the human body. Body mass index and skinfold testing are both examples of anthropometric measurements, along with measurements of height, weight, and girth.

Girth measurements of the upper arm should be taken with the arm in what position?

Arm straight, abducted to shoulder height with the palm supinated Girth measurements are an anthropomorphic measurement and provide information about body size. The upper arm measurement should be taken with the arm straight and abducted to shoulder height, with the palm facing the ceiling (supinated). There are seven typical measurement sites, including: Upper arm Forearm Chest Waist Hips Thigh Calf All measurements are taken at the largest circumference at the measurement site, except for the waist measurement, which is taken at the level of the umbilicus.

How long does the glycolytic system take to fully recover after a maximal anaerobic capacity test?

At least one hour The phosphagen system needs the least amount of time for complete recovery after being taxed. After 3 to 5 minutes, an individual should be completely recovered. However, following tests that challenge the glycolytic system, individuals need at least a full hour in order for the energy system to completely recover. For this reason, anaerobic capacity tests should be performed on a separate day from other testing being conducted. If performed on the same day, these tests should be placed last in the testing order so that participation in these tests does not negatively affect performance on other tests.

Where should the waist measurement be taken when taking circumference measurements?

At the level of the umbilicus Most circumference measurements should be taken at the site of maximal circumference. However, the waist measurement is different. The waist measurement should be taken at the level of the umbilicus. The waist measurement can be an indicator of health risks. A large waist measurement correlates with an elevated risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

What describes a set of individual results on a group of tests designed to measure sports-specific abilities that are important for performance in a sport or a particular position in a sport?

Athletic profile In any sport, there are specific athletic parameters that may contribute to an athlete's success in the sport. Testing individual athletes in their performance on tests based on these parameters can measure each athlete's abilities as well as their readiness at different points of the season. This testing can help a strength and conditioning professional to evaluate these athletes, comparing results to previous results for the same athlete or against the results of other athletes in their same sport or position. The following should be considered when creating an athlete profile: Tests need to measure the specific parameters that relate to the sport(s) in question Tests need to be valid and reliable Tests should be administered to as many athletes as possible, which enables the calculation of percentile ranks Determine the smallest worthwhile change for the tests and compare to normative data where appropriate Tests should be repeated to determine progress Test results should be meaningful; they can be used to determine the effectiveness of a program or which parameters athletes need to improve

Poor performance on which of the following might indicate an increased risk for lower limb injuries?

Balance error scoring system (BESS) Balance and stability rely on neuromuscular control. Deficiencies in balance and stability have been shown to increase the risk of lower extremity injuries. Tests such as the balance error scoring system (BESS) can be used to evaluate an athlete's balance and stability. Poor performance on such a test can indicate the need to emphasize these areas in the athlete's training program. To perform the BESS, athletes stand in various positions while keeping their hands on their hips and their eyes closed. Athletes are instructed to attempt to maintain their balance in each position for 20 seconds, once on a stable surface and once on an unstable surface. The three positions are: Feet together Single leg stand Heel to toe stance (with the dominant foot forward)

When is the appropriate time to perform a skinfold measurement on an athlete?

Before exercise In order to ensure validity and reliability, the skin fold test should be performed on dry skin and before exercise. If the skin is wet it can compromise the results. Skinfold measurements are generally done at eight different locations: chest, thigh, abdomen, triceps, suprailium, midaxilla, subscapula, and calf.

Where should the marker be placed in relation to the athlete's feet in the standing long jump test?

Behind the heel that is the farthest back upon landing

What is the most important type of validity to be considered when evaluating the quality of a test?

Construct validity To be valid, tests must measure what they are supposed to measure. Construct validity describes how well a test actually measures the specific characteristic that it is designed to measure. This is the most important consideration when evaluating the validity of a test. Face validity describes how well the test is perceivedto measure a specific characteristic, by athletes and others. Content validity measures how well an expert believes that a test (or battery of tests) represents the appropriate characteristics that need to be tested for a specific individual or sport. While face and content validity should be taken into account, construct validity is the most important when selecting appropriate tests.

The standing long jump test uses what type of jump?

Countermovement A standing long jump begins with a countermovement. This means that the athlete performing the jump will first quickly lower themselves into a partial squat to load the muscles and then immediately perform the jump. A static jump involves lowering into a partial squat position and holding that position for a couple of seconds prior to jumping. When the athlete jumps, they are not allowed to dip any lower than the static squat position, but rather, are only allowed to accelerate movement upward. A reactive jump refers to a jump performed immediately after landing; for example, from a previous jump or from landing from stepping off of a box.

When performing the push-up local endurance test according to the US Army protocol, how is the test scored?

Counting the number of repetitions performed in 2 minutes The US Army guidelines for performing the push-up local endurance test require the individual to perform as many push-ups as possible in two minutes. Both the starting and low position are the same for both men and women. Start position is on the feet and hands, with the hands shoulder-width apart. For repetitions to count, individuals must be low enough that the upper arm is parallel to the ground. The ACSM provides separate protocols for performing this test, which require the individual to perform as many push-ups as possible in a row until failure.

Athletes who compete in which of the following sports have typical body fat percentages that are classified as extremely lean?

Cross-country Athletes in different sports exhibit a large range of body fat percentages. Sports in which athletes tend to be extremely lean include gymnastics, in-contest bodybuilders and wrestlers, as well as cross-country runners. Women in this category have body fat percentages below 15%, and men have body fat percentages under 7%. Jockeys tend to have average body fat percentages, which range between 14 and 17% for men, and 19 and 20% for women. Speed skaters tend to be leaner than average, with body fat percentages between 11 and 13% for men, and 16 and 18% for women.

Which of the following guidelines is the most important to follow when planning to administer an aerobic endurance test in the heat?

Determine the humidity and air temperature before testing Conducting testing in high temperatures and high humidity can be dangerous for the athletes being tested and can also affect test results due to impaired performance. This would result in testing scores that are not representative of the athlete's true abilities and would also make it difficult to compare scores to previous or future tests. Aerobic and sprint performance may be impaired, and generally should not be conducted when the temperature approaches 80 degrees and the humidity exceeds 50%. Testing should generally be avoided when temperature or humidity increases above these levels.

What is defined as the difference between an athlete's testing score at the beginning and at the end of a training period?

Difference score The difference between an athlete's testing results at the beginning and end of a training period (or simply between two separate testing times) is known as the difference score. A difference score reveals the degree of athlete improvement as well as program effectiveness, as long as testing is reliable.

The percentile ranks of an athlete's vertical jump and 1RM back squat vary greatly. Which of the following types of validity would these results reinforce?

Discriminant validity Two tests that have discriminant validity are proven to test and distinguish between different abilities. In this case, the vertical jump tests explosive power and the back squat tests lower body strength levels. Some athletes who have high strength levels also perform well on the vertical jump, while other athletes who have high strength levels do not perform as well on the vertical jump. There is not a high correlation between the two tests, which means that simply because an athlete scores well on one test does not mean they will score well on the other test. Conducting both tests will allow the strength and conditioning professional to test both the athlete's strength levels and their explosive power abilities. This enables them to design better programs for each athlete. Face validity refers to the belief (by the athlete) that a test actually will measure what it is supposed to measure. Convergent validity is evidence that a given test produces similar testing results as one that is generally accepted as the "gold standard" to test that specific ability.

What movement is used to perform the hexagon agility test?

Double-leg hop The hexagon test is a measure of agility and involves performing a double-leg hop in multiple directions for time. This test measures the ability to change directions and involves forward, backward, lateral, and diagonal movements. Test protocol: Make a hexagon by placing tape on the floor (with 24-inch sides and 120-degree angles) Stand in the middle of the hexagon Jump both feet over one line of the hexagon and back to the center, without changing direction Immediately jump over the next side of the hexagon and back to the middle Continue jumping over and back until you have jumped over all six sides of the hexagon three times (18 total jumps) Record the time it takes to perform all 18 jumps

What is the process of analyzing test results for the purpose of making decisions?

Evaluation

Which of the following is not a reason for testing athletes?

For choosing a team captain

Which of the following devices is often used to measure joint range of motion?

Goniometer

Which of the following should be administered first in a sequence of tests for a javelin thrower?

Height The following is a logical and appropriate order of tests: Non-fatiguing tests (height, weight, etc.) Agility tests (pro agility) Max strength or power tests (1RM squat, 1RM power clean) Sprint tests (40-yard dash) Muscular endurance tests (push-up) Anaerobic capacity tests (300-yard shuttle) Aerobic capacity tests (1.5-mile run) Because height is a non-fatiguing test, this should be performed first.

When conducting skinfold testing, when should a site be measured a third time?

If there is more than a 10% difference between the first two measurements When taking skinfold measurements, the tester should take a measurement on each site once before going back to measure all of the sites a second time. It is common and acceptable to see a difference between the two measurements. However, if the difference between the two measurements at the same site is greater than 10%, additional measurements should be taken until two of the results are within 10% of one another. Once all sites have two skinfold measurements with less than a 10% difference, those measurements should be averaged. The averages will then be used to calculate body composition.

A team's test results are considered to be unreliable because two coaches have different ideas of how low athletes should have to squat for the movement to count as valid. Which type of variability does this scenario describe?

Interrater reliability Interrater reliability measures consistency of scoring between different test administrators and relies on objectivity. In order for testing to be reliable when different people are testing different athletes within the same group, there must be standards in place that all test administrators understand and interpret the same way. This allows testing scores to be compiled and compared accurately. Intrarater variability refers to scoring inconsistencies of one individual. Intrasubject variability describes inconsistent testing performances by the test subject.

Which of the following types of variability is least likely to decrease the reliability of a test?

Intersubject variability There are several types of variability that can decrease the reliability of a test: intrasubject variability, interrater reliability, and intrarater variability. Intersubject variability would refer to differences in performance between the subjects. This is expected (or else every athlete would score the same) and has no bearing on the reliability of a test. Intrasubject variability is a lack of consistent performance by the person being tested. Interrater reliability measures the consistency between different raters over time. Intrarater variability refers to inconsistent scoring by a given tester.

In a partial curl-up test, what is the strength and conditioning professional testing?

Local muscular endurance The partial curl-up test measures muscular endurance of the abdominal muscles. Unlike the sit-up test, this test eliminates the use of the hip flexor muscles. Set up: The athlete lies supine on a mat, with the knees bent to 90 degrees. Arms are at the sides, with the fingers touching a 4-inch long piece of masking tape positioned perpendicular to the fingers. A second piece of tape is situated parallel to the first piece of tape at a distance determined by the age of the athlete. Test: A metronome is set to 40 beats per minute and the athlete performs slow, controlled curl-ups in time with the metronome, lifting the shoulder blades off the mat and touching the second piece of tape with the fingertips. The athlete does as many curl-ups as they can, up to 75.

Which of the following tests are designed to measure low-speed force production?

Maximal muscular strength tests Maximal strength tests typically quantify strength levels using a one-repetition maximum (1RM). These tests measure the force that a muscle or muscle group can exert in a single maximal effort while maintaining good form. The high resistance used in these tests results in a relatively lower-speed movement. Movements often used for maximal strength testing are the squat and bench press. Tests of anaerobic or maximal muscular power (high-speed strength) test strength and speed together using movements such as a clean, snatch or vertical jump. These movements are much faster than movements used for max strength testing, but also are quantified using a single repetition.

What is another term for low-speed muscular strength?

Maximum muscular strength Maximum muscular strength is often defined by the heaviest weight that an individual can lift, and is typically described as a 1RM (one-rep maximum). Because the loads used in such movements are so heavy, the actual movement speed is slower. This is why it is also referred to as low-speed strength. Local muscular endurance measures the ability to sustain a level of submaximal intensity for multiple repetitions or time. Aerobic power, also known as aerobic capacity, is an individual's VO2 max. In the strength and conditioning environment, this is typically estimated using tests such as the 1-mile run.

Which of the following are values around which data tends to cluster?

Measures of central tendency There are three types of central tendencies: mean, median, and mode. The most commonly used measure of central tendency is the mean, which is the sum of the scores divided by the number of scores (this is also called the average). The median is the middle value of a set of scores, dividing those scores in half with half of the scores falling above and half of the scores falling below the median value. The mode, which is the most frequently occurring score, is considered to be the least useful measure of central tendency.

A 32-year-old male athlete wants to measure his body fat percentage by using skinfold calipers. Which of the following is a common location to measure a skinfold?

Midaxilla Skinfold measurements are a popular method to calculate body fat percentage and are easily performed by strength and conditioning professionals. Common locations of skinfold measurements are the following: Chest Thigh Abdomen Triceps Suprailium Midaxilla Subscapula Calf After obtaining the measurement, the strength and conditioning professional can then use appropriate equations to determine body fat percentage.

A 130-pound Division I collegiate female volleyball player has the following test results: 1RM bench press: 155 pounds 1RM back squat: 225 pounds Vertical jump: 15 inches 1-minute partial curl-up test: 65 Based on these results, which of the following exercises should be added to her training program?

Plyometrics This athlete has demonstrated high strength levels in both the upper and lower body strength tests (1RM bench press and back squat) in comparison to other Division I female volleyball players. She also scored well on the partial curl-up test, which is a test of muscular endurance. However, the average vertical jump height for a female Division I volleyball player is around 20 inches. Therefore, this athlete should work on improving her jumping ability. Because she already has sufficient lower body strength, the best way to improve her jumping ability is to focus on incorporating plyometric training into her program.

A recruitment coach is conducting athletic testing for athletes interested in trying out for a traveling volleyball team. Which of the following could help determine which tests would help identify athletes with the potential to excel in volleyball?

Predictive validity Predictive validity measures how well a specific test might predict the potential for future performance. If possible, the coach conducting try-out testing should include tests that have high predictive validity. For example, if performance on the vertical jump had been proven to correlate with volleyball performance levels, then the vertical jump would have predictive validity and should be included in the testing. Construct validity is a measure of overall validity and describes how well a test measures what it is supposed to measure. Although it is also an important consideration when selecting tests to include in any situation, this alone would not identify which tests could help predict future performance. Concurrent validity measures how well the results of one test compare to those of another test for the same construct.

Performing warm-up sets prior to performing a 1RM bench press test will increase which of the following test characteristics?

Reliability Performing a warm-up before any testing can increase a test's reliability. Performing a general warm-up followed by a specific warm-up helps athletes to be well-prepared on testing day. Athletes will perform movements similar to those that they will use for the specific tests being administered that day. Specific warm-ups for a 1RM bench press would include performing sets of the bench press with lighter and then progressively heavier weights prior to the first 1RM attempt.

When a test consistently gives the same result, regardless of the individual conducting the test, this is known as what?

Reliability Reliability refers to the accuracy and repeatability of a test. A reliable test will produce the same result for the same performance every time. In order for testing to be valid, it must also be reliable.

Athletes in which of the following sports have been shown to have the highest VO2 max?

Rowing VO2 max is a quantitative measure of aerobic capacity. Long distance athletes generally have the highest VO2 max values. VO2 max values for rowers have been found to be very high, often falling between 63 and 69 for males, and 54 and 59 for females. Speed skaters have demonstrated high VO2 max values, which range from 57 to 62 for males, and 49 to 53 for females. Gymnasts have been shown to have above average VO2 max values, ranging between 52 and 56 for males, and 44 and 48 for females.

Which of the following characteristics does not apply to a 1.5-mile run test performed on a track?

Should be performed before testing a 1RM Power Clean The 1.5-mile run test conducted using a track is considered a field test, which describes any test conducted away from a laboratory setting without the use of expensive or complicated equipment. However, if the 1.5-mile run was instead performed on a treadmill in a laboratory, and used equipment to monitor oxygen uptake, it would then not be considered a field test. A 1.5-mile run should be completed last, not first, during a testing battery, because it is considered an aerobic capacity test, and should definitely be performed after testing a 1RM power clean. The 1.5-mile run test is easy to perform and easy to measure. It is an assessment of the aerobic energy system. Tests should be completed in order from least fatiguing to most:- Nonfatiguing (height and weight measurements, etc.)- Agility tests- Sprint tests- Local muscular endurance tests- Fatiguing anaerobic capacity tests- Aerobic capacity tests

Of the following tests in a testing battery, which sequence would produce the most reliable results? 40-yard dash Skinfold test Pro-agility 1RM bench press

Skinfold test, pro-agility, 1RM bench press, 40-yard dash When scheduling multiple tests to be performed on the same day, it is important that tests do not affect an athlete's performance on any of the other tests. Proper sequencing of the tests can help prevent this from happening. It is also important to ensure athletes take sufficient recovery as needed based on the test being conducted. A logical sequence of tests is as follows: Non-fatiguing tests, such as anthropometric measurements (height, weight, etc.) Agility tests (pro-agility) Max strength or power tests (1RM squat, 1RM power clean) Sprint tests (40-yard dash) Muscular endurance tests (push-up) Anaerobic capacity tests (300-yard shuttle) Aerobic capacity tests (1.5-mile run)

An athlete suggests adding the pro-agility test before the season. Which of the following characteristics of this test is the most important when determining whether to add it to a testing battery?

Specificity The most important thing to consider when deciding whether to add this test to the test battery is its specificity. The test needs to measure a parameter of performance that is specific to the sport and is not already being tested by another test in the battery. After a test is deemed to be specific to the sport and chosen to be added, then it is important to also ensure that the test has good validity and reliability.

An athlete has the following rankings in a group of tests: 50th percentile in the vertical jump 58th percentile in the 1RM back squat 60th percentile in the pro-agility test 42nd percentile in the 40-yard dash Which attribute should be addressed first in this athlete's training program?

Speed Percentile rank is one way to statistically analyze the results of any test. It is simply the percentage of test takers that scored lower than the individual in question; therefore, the lower the individual's percentile rank, the worse they performed on the test compared to their peers. This athlete's lowest percentile rank was in the 40-yard dash which tests an athlete's speed.

What are the different movement patterns involved in the performance of the T-test?

Sprint, shuffle, backward run The T-test is a measure of agility and is set up with four cones that make the shape of the letter T. The test involves the following steps: Sprinting forward 10 yards Shuffle left 5 yards Shuffle right 10 yards Backward run 10 yards Athletes face forward throughout the entire test and are not allowed to cross one foot in front of the other at any time.

What is the measure of ability to return to a desired position following a disturbance to the system?

Stability Stability is the measure of the ability to return to a desired position following a disturbance to the system. Balance is the ability to maintain stationary and moving equilibrium or the ability to maintain the body's center of gravity over its base of support. Many of the tests used to assess stability measure balance and stability together. One common test is the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT).

Which of the following is defined as a measure of the variability of a set of scores about the mean?

Standard deviation Range and standard deviation are two common measures of the variability of a set of testing scores. The range represents the difference between the low and high score. An outlier is a score that is farther away from the mean than the other scores (usually multiple standard deviations). Standard deviation measures how spread out the scores are when compared to the mean (the average of those scores). A smaller standard deviation means that the scores are all grouped relatively close to the mean, and there is not a large difference between the scores. A larger standard deviation indicates that the scores were spread out over a wider range of values.

Which of the following is not a test of change-of-direction abilities?

Standing long jump Agility is the athletic ability to stop, start, and change direction quickly. Examples of agility tests include the hexagon test, T-test, and the pro-agility test. The standing long jump measures high-speed maximum muscular power.

What is the starting position for the athlete when performing the pro agility test?

Straddling the center line The pro agility test is set up with two lines 10 yards apart, and a third line directly in the middle, 5 yards from each end. To perform the pro agility test, an athlete starts in a three-point stance, with one foot on either side of the center line. On a signal, the athlete turns to sprint to touch one end line (5 yards), changes direction to sprint to and touch the opposite end line (10 yards), then finally back to sprint past the center line (5 yards).

When testing anaerobic capacity, what is being measured?

The maximum amount of energy production by the combined phosphagen and anaerobic glycolytic energy systems for moderate-duration activities The phosphagen and glycolytic energy systems are both used during anaerobic activities of moderate duration. Tests of anaerobic capacity measure maximum power output in muscular activities lasting 30 to 60 seconds. The ability of certain muscles or muscle groups to perform a single contraction against a maximal resistance measures maximal strength and is usually measured in a one-repetition maximum (1RM). The maximum rate at which an athlete can produce energy through oxidation of energy sources is a measure of aerobic capacity.

Two different coaches timed all of the athletes in the pro-agility test. The time recorded for each athlete was significantly different between the two coaches. Which of the following conclusions best suits this situation?

The test results are unreliable because of a lack of interrater reliability Interrater reliability is a measure of consistency of testing results between different test administrators. The two coaches did not have any consistency in their test results and therefore are lacking interrater reliability. Intrasubject variability is a lack of consistent performance by the person being tested. Criterion-referenced validity is a measure of how well one test produces similar results with another test that measure the same construct.

An athlete is performing an overhead squat in order to test their flexibility. Where should the tester stand in order to observe and assess the athlete?

The tester should stand facing the athlete's side The overhead squat is a test that measures flexibility. The athlete holds a dowel overhead and begins to lower into a squat. The athlete continues to squat down until the crease of the hip is below the height of the knee. At this point, the torso should be parallel to the lower leg, the dowel should remain directly overhead with the arms straight, and the heels should stay on the ground. The tester should watch the athlete from the side in order to be able to see the following: the height of the hip crease as the athlete squats the athlete's heels where the dowel rod is in relation to the shoulders the angle of the torso and the lower leg The overhead squat is a pass/fail test, and the athlete should be allowed five repetitions.

A basketball team is attempting to measure power. Which of the following tests would be the most valid for this group of athletes?

Vertical jump The vertical jump is a valid measure of maximal power, and it has biomechanical movement specificity. This means that it mimics the same movements and uses the same musculature that this group of athletes will repeatedly use in their sport. Therefore, it would be considered extremely valid, as it measures exactly what it is reported to measure. The 1RM back squat might be an appropriate test of maximal strength for this group of athletes but does not measure power. The broad jump does measure power, but the vertical jump is a better choice for basketball athletes, as it reflects the movements required in their sport, whereas a broad jump does not.

Which of the following testing sequences produces the most reliable results of these tests?

Vertical jump, 1 RM bench press, Wingate test, 12-minute run Vertical jump measures maximal power; the 1RM bench press measures max strength; the Wingate test measures anaerobic capacity, and the 12-minute run is an aerobic capacity test. The correct order is recommended based on using the following sequence of testing: Non-fatiguing tests (height, weight, etc.) Agility tests (pro agility) Max strength or power tests (1RM squat, 1RM power clean) Sprint tests (40-yard dash) Muscular endurance tests (push-up) Anaerobic capacity tests (300-yard shuttle) Aerobic capacity tests (1.5-mile run)

What determines when the yo-yo intermittent recovery test is complete?

When the athlete fails to reach the start or turning line a second time The yo-yo intermittent recovery test measures aerobic capacity and involves performing repeated 2x20 meter sprints at increasing speeds between a start line and a turning line that are 20 meters apart. An audible beep indicates when the athlete needs to have crossed the line. Athletes continue performing the 2x20 meter shuttles until they fail to reach either the starting line or the turning line before the beep a second time.

Which of the following tests is used to estimate aerobic capacity?

Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test Aerobic capacity is also known as aerobic power and measures the maximum rate at which an athlete can produce energy through oxidation of energy sources. These values are quantified with the VO2 max, which is the volume of oxygen consumed per kilogram of body weight per minute. Aerobic capacity is generally measured using aerobic endurance activities such as running distances of at least one mile. The Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test provides another method of testing aerobic capacity. The T-test and 505 agility test are both measures of agility.

Which of the following is a commonly used test to measure aerobic capacity?

Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test The yo-yo intermittent recovery test is often used to measure aerobic capacity, especially for teams of field sport athletes, such as soccer and field hockey. The test is conducted using software that provides an audible signal (such as a beep) at specific intervals. To perform this test, athletes start at a starting line and begin running on the first beep to another line 20 meters away. They must reach this line before the next beep. Then they immediately turn around and run 20 meters back. They must reach the starting line again before the next beep. This 2x20 meter shuttle is repeated after a 10-second rest, and the beep intervals get progressively faster. Athletes continue running these 2x20 meter shuttles until they fail two times to reach the prescribed distance before the beep. The specified intervals can provide information on the speed an athlete is moving on the final interval they successfully completed. The Margaria-Kalamen test measures maximum power, and the 300-yard shuttle measures anaerobic capacity.

Which of the following tests does not have metabolic specificity for a gymnast?

Yo-yo intermittent recovery test When selecting athletic performance tests, the validity and reliability of those tests should be high. To ensure content validity, one important consideration is metabolic system specificity. Content validity ensures that the included tests are appropriate for the athlete being tested in that the tests measure constructs important to their sport activities, including the primary metabolic systems the athlete uses for performance. A gymnast primarily uses the phosphagen and glycolytic systems, and therefore, included tests should reflect this requirement. The Margaria-Kalamen test and the vertical jump are both measures of maximal power, and therefore, have metabolic specificity for the gymnast. The yo-yo intermittent recovery test is a measure of aerobic capacity, which is not necessary for a gymnast. The oxidative (aerobic) system is targeted for longer activities (over 3 minutes). Gymnastics routines are shorter than 2 minutes in length.

Which of the following is a comparison of an individual's testing results to the group average?

Z-score When a group undergoes the same test, those results can be compiled and evaluated in many ways. A common way to evaluate the scores is to average the scores to determine the mean value, and then determine the size of the standard deviation based on the dispersion of scores. This can be graphically displayed as a bell curve, where the largest number of scores fall under the center of the curve and fewer scores falling farther from the center. The z-score describe how many standard deviations an individual score is from the group average. This score can be positive if the individual scored better than the group average, or can be negative if the individual scored lower than the team average. A larger z-score indicates that the score is significantly different than the average of the group. For example, an individual could have a z-score of 2, which means that their score is 2 standard deviations above the average score of the group. The range is the difference between the lowest score and the highest score in a group of scores. A difference score is the change in an athlete's testing scores at different times, such as a pretest and a posttest.