How to test a student for physical fitness?

Physical Education Tests

It is not within the scope of this chapter to outline test procedures for every test in physical education. The following list of tests includes examples of those being used successfully to assess the various aspects of physical education.

Rogers Strength Test

This test includes seven items right and left grip strength, back lift, leg lift, push-ups, pull-ups, and lung capacity. The gross score is a measure of overall strength called the strength index. The physical Fitness Index is obtained by dividing the strength index by the norm.

Kraus-Waber Test

This is a test of minimum muscular fitness and consists of six items each testing the strength of a specific muscle group; or the flexibility of the body.

Cable-Tension Strength Tests

A tensiometer that measures the tension on a cable is the principal instrument. Tests have been devised to measure the strength of approximately forty different muscle groups throughout the body.

Larson Strength Test

The items consist of chins, dips, and the vertical jump. It is useful for classifying and grouping students.

New York State Physical Fitness Test

Posture, throwing accuracy, strength, agility, speed, balance, and endurance are measured. The test is designed to provide an instrument with which to evaluate the status and progress in fitness of boys and girls grades four to twelve.

Army Physical Efficiency Test

The items are pull-ups, squat jumps, push-ups, sit- ups, and 300-yard shuttle run. It is used to test the physical condition of members of the armed forces.

Tuttle Pulse-Ratio Test

Subjects step up and down on a 13-inch stool. A formula using the resting pulse rate and the pulse rate after exercise has been devised. The test score is based on the ability of the heart to compensate for exercise.

Harvard Step Test

Subjects step up and down on a 20-inch bench the rate of 30 steps per minute for five minutes. The duration of the exercise in seconds * 100, divided by 2 * the sum of pulse counts in recovery gives the score. It is one of the best of the tests measuring cardiovascular endurance.

Wetzel Grid

This is a chart that depicts the growth and development of the individual based on measures of age, height, and weight. It provides a cumulative growth record during the child’s school years and in most cases detects serious deviations from accepted norms.

General Motor Capacity

This test, developed by Mc Cloy, is intended to measure an individual’s innate potential. The score is obtained by combining the results of the Classification Index, the Sergeant Jump, the low Brace Text, and the Burpee Test.

The Johnson Test

Classified as a test of motor educability, the Johanson Test consists of a number of balancing and hopping stunts performed on a mat.

The Sargent Jump

This consists of leaping vertically as high as possible. There are a number of adaptations. Basically, it measures the ability of the extensor muscles to “explode” and generate force and velocity.

Aerobic Capacity

Most physiologists accept the measurement of maximal oxygen consumption as the most valid test of cardiorespiratory fitness. There are three general methods of measurement-treadmill running, riding the bicycle radiometer, and stepping up and down on a bench. There are carefully prescribed directions that must be followed for accurate measurement.

Scott Motor Ability Battery

The three items contained in this test are the obstacle course, the basketball throw for distance, and the standing broad jump. It was designed to be used for testing high school and college women but has also been modified by Kilday and Latchaw to measure motor ability in ninth-grade boys.

Achievement Tests

These are tests to measure the performance of students in skills taught in physical education classes. There is now available achievement tests for most of the skills commonly taught. By administering tests at various time intervals, the improvement of the students can be assessed.

Teachers may use previously validated and scientifically constructed tests, or they may devise tests of their own. The use of achievement tests as a basis for determining grades is quite common and is certainly one of the important techniques of appraisal.

Tests of Knowledge and Understanding

Written tests of knowledge and understanding in physical education are similar in format to those in other subjects. All teachers and supervisors will be familiar with their preparation and grading.