|
3-Minute Step Test (Aerobic Assessment) - The purpose of the Step Test is to measure the heart rate in the recovery period following three minutes of stepping. If the subject cannot finish the test, or scores at the Very Poor level, he/she should obtain medical clearance before further testing. This test is invalid and should not be administered to individuals taking a beta blocker medication (or any other medication affecting heart rate).
Equipment Needed: - 12 inch step
- Stop watch (or watch displaying seconds) for timing test and counting recovery heart rate
- Metronome to set cadence (may use pre-recorded audio cassette tape and player)
Procedure: - The subject should warm-up.
- Subject steps up and down at a rate of 24 steps per minute (metronome setting of 96) for 3 minutes.
- Immediately after the three minutes of stepping, the subject sits down on the bench and finds pulse (at neck). The 60 second heart rate is taken five seconds after completion of stepping.
- This recovery heart rate is the score. Consult the standards to determine fitness category.
Maximum Chest Press Test (Muscular Strength Assessment) - The purpose of the Maximum Chest Press Test is to measure the maximum muscular strength of the chest, shoulder and arm muscles. Muscular strength is defined as the amount of tension that a muscle can generate in one maximum-effort contraction.
Equipment Needed: - Universal DVR Bench Press
- Calculator (unless software is available)
Procedure: - The subject should warm-up.
- Load the weights to about one-half of the estimated maximum weight, or use the rule-of-thumb:
MALE - 2/3 of body weight
FEMALE - first or second plate.
- Instruct the subject to press this weight once for an easy warm-up.
- Progressively increase the resistance until the weight stack can no longer be lifted. The first two or three trials serve as warm-up lifts to prepare the subject for the maximal lift on or about the fifth or sixth trial.
- The score for the test is the maximal number of pounds lifted correctly on one repetition.
- The Universal Universal Dynamic Variable Resistance (DVR) Chest Press Equipment has 2 numbers on each plate. For the Chest Press, record the higher number, which is located on the RIGHT side of the stack.
Maximum Leg Press Test (Muscular Strength Assessment) - The purpose of the Maximum Leg Press Test is to measure the maximum muscular strength of the legs (Quadriceps and Hamstrings) and Gluteals (Buttocks).
Equipment Needed: - Universal Gym DVR Leg Press
- Calculator and forms to record data
Procedure: - The subject should warm-up with very light weight
- Load the weights to about one-half of the estimated maximum weight, or use the rule-of-thumb:
MALE - 75% of body weight
FEMALE - 50% of body weight - Instruct the subject to press this weight once or twice for an easy warm-up.
- Progressively increase the resistance until the weight stack can no longer be lifted. The first two or three trials serve as warm-up lifts to prepare the subject for the maximal lift on or about the fifth or sixth trial. The score for the test is the maximal number of pounds lifted correctly on one repetition. The Universal Dynamic Variable Resistance (DVR) Chest Press Equipment has 2 numbers on each plate. For the Leg Press, record the higher number, which is located on the RIGHT side of the stack.
Push-Ups Test (Muscular Endurance Assessment) - The purpose of the Push-Up Test is to assess the muscular endurance of the Chest, Shoulder and Arm muscles. Muscular endurance is defined as the ability to contract a muscle repeatedly over a period of time.
Equipment Needed: - Exercise mat
- Stop watch (or watch displaying seconds) for timing test
Procedure: - The subject should warm-up.
- The hands are placed about shoulder-width apart, with fingers pointing forward.
- The back should be kept straight at all times.
MALE: Up on hands and toes
FEMALE: Up on hands and knees - Starting from the up position (elbows straight), the subject lowers the body until the elbows achieve a 90 degree (or greater) angle. Subject than returns to the up position. This is one repetition, and the scorer will count correct repetitions aloud.
- Resting should be done in the up position.
- The score is the total number of correct push-ups done in one minute.
Sit-Ups Test (Muscular Endurance Assessment) - The purpose of the Sit-Up Test is to assess the muscular endurance of the abdominals and hip flexors.
Equipment Needed: - Exercise mat
- Stop watch (or watch displaying seconds) for timing test
- Test forms to record data
Procedure: - The subject should warm-up.
- Have participant assume the supine position (face up) on the floor, with knees bent at 90 degree or right angles (heels about 18 inches from the buttocks) and fingers next to the ears. A partner should hold the ankles firmly for support.
- At a "go" signal from the timer, have the participant perform as many correct sit-ups as possible within a one-minute period.
- After each movement, the participant should return to the supine position before going up again; shoulders must be returned to touch the mat, but the head need not touch. (Caution: the participant should breathe continuously and easily during the exercise so as not to invoke the Valsalva maneuver. The same holds true for the push-ups test)
Sit and Reach Test (Flexibility Assessment) - The purpose of the Sit and Reach Test is to measure the flexibility of the muscles and tendons in the back of the legs and trunk. Flexibility is defined as the range of possible movement in a joint or group of joints.
Equipment Needed: - 12 inch by 12 inch box
- Yardstick on box with 15 inch mark at edge
Procedure: - The subject should warm-up.
- The shoes are removed, and the feet are placed squarely against the box no wider than eight inches apart.
- The knees remain straight (extended) throughout the test.
- The yardstick is set on the box so that the 15-inch mark is flush with the edge of the box.
- With one hand placed upon the other and fingertips even, the subject leans forward and reaches as far down the yardstick as possible. NO LUNGING OR BOBBING IS PERMITTED! Exhaling on the reach is recommended.
- The hands must stay together and even, and the stretch must be held for one second.
- Record each reach to the nearest (conservative) 1/4 inch.
- Three trials are allowed, and the best of the three efforts is the score.
US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine.
|
