Types of Evaluation Measuring Tests

Various kinds of physical activity, including physical work and sports, have different demands. As a result, different types of evaluation measuring tests determine whether a person is fit to perform such tasks. Because there are different physical components to every activity, the performance demands of each component can be assessed by specific kinds of fitness tests.

Aerobic Fitness/Cardiovascular Endurance Tests

• Aerobic fitness or cardiovascular endurance tests measure stamina, or the ability to exercise continuously for extended periods without tiring. Stamina depends on the efficiency of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems to deliver oxygen for use by the body. Examples include the "Cooper;" or 12-minute run; and the "Balke," or 15-minute run. These measure how far a person can run during a given time limit.

Speed and Power Fitness Tests

• Speed and power fitness tests measure explosive power. Explosive power means the maximal amount of force an individual can exert in the shortest time possible. Examples include throwing, sprinting and jumping. These activities require the use of the anaerobic energy system (utilizing energy without oxygen use). Examples of speed and power tests include sprinting, jumping, throwing and hitting.

Muscle Strength Tests

• Muscle strength tests assess the ability of particular groups of muscles to carry out work throughout an appropriate range of motion against a particular resistance. Muscle strength is precisely measured through the use of dynamometers. Tests might also make use of lifting free weights or using exercise machines. Bench press, abdominal strength and isometric leg strength tests are examples.

Anaerobic Capacity Tests

• Anaerobic capacity tests measure the total amount of energy a person's anaerobic system can put out by determining how long particular groups of muscles can last before fatigue sets in. The anaerobic system is maximally stressed during short-duration, high[intensity activities. Fatigue onset due to lactic acid buildup occurs anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes during activity. Examples include the 30-second Wingate and 10- and 30-second tri-level anaerobic tests.

Flexibility and Joint Mobility Tests

• Flexibility and joint mobility tests assess how far particular joints in the body can go through a range of motion during activity. The most precise method of testing is through goniometry. Other tests like sit and reach, V-sit and groin flexibility provide functional measures of flexibility and joint mobility.

Agility and Sports Specific Tests

• Agility tests measure a person's ability to change position rapidly. Examples include the Illinois Agility Run and the Shuttle Run tests. Sports-specific tests, on the other hand, measure specific motions or maneuvers related to a particular sport.

Anthropometric Tests

• Anthropometric tests measure physical aspects of the human body such as body size, structure and composition. Examples are body composition tests that include skin fold measurements, as well as body fat analyzers and body size measurements such as girth, breadth and length measurements.