What are the purposes of exercise testing?

Determine fitness status relative to norms; Develop exercise prescription; Establish reasonable goals and evaluate progress in an exercise program; Motivation; Diagnose disease; check for ischemia.

What are general guidelines prior to fitness assessments?

Ensure all necessary documents are available for the test’s administration; Ensure appropriate room temperature; Calibrate all equipment; As best as possible, minimize individual anxiety; Provide a comfortable seat and/or examination table; The exercise professional should be familiar with the emergency response plan.

What are components of pre-test evaluation?

Pre-test instructions (prior to arrival); Informed Consent; Medical History; Check for relevant contraindications; Order of assessments.

What are pre-test instructions?

refrain from eating, alcohol, tobacco, or caffeine 3 hrs before; be euhydrated; be well rested; appropriate clothing; maybe bring someone with them to drive them home (may be fatigued); Document any medications taken by the participant.

What is the order of assessments?

Resting measurements should be obtained first (heart rate, blood pressure, height, weight, body composition); An optimal testing order for multiple health-related components of fitness (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness [CRF], muscular fitness, and flexibility) has not been established; Sufficient time should be allowed for HR and BP to return to baseline between tests conducted serially.

What are key components of a comprehensive fitness assessment?

Resting measurements (HR/BP); Body composition; Cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max); Muscular fitness (strength & endurance); Flexibility; Other? (balance, postural analysis, etc.).