Written Report on Validity, Reliability, Practicality and Ethical Considerations
In this report I will be explaining the importance of validity, reliability, practicality, suitability and ethical considerations in relations to conducting fitness testing with a variety of sports performers here at Holbrook Sports Club (HSC).
Validity
Validity is the “ability of a test to accurately measure, with minimal error, a specific component” (V.H.Heyward, 2006). Therefore, in terms of fitness testing validity would be one of the most important factors that you would need to consider. This is because it is important for the administrator to know that they are testing the correct component of fitness as this will provide them with a set of results that they can then use to inform a fitness programme that will help their client improve their sporting performance. If they were to test their client using a test that was not designed to measure the component of fitness that they were trying to assess then the results obtained would not help them understand where the client needs to improve.
For example, if I had a client at HSC that was a cross country runner, I would want to know how good their cardiovascular endurance was. In order to measure this, it would be important to ensure that I chose a test that was specifically designed to measure this component of fitness. The VO2 Max Test would be an appropriate test to use in order to measure cardiovascular endurance, as it gives the administrator the most accurate results possible. We know this because of the extensive research and the copious amount of normative data. Also, many pro teams use the VO2 max test to check the fitness of their athletes, therefore, being able to check the cardiovascular efficiently and with a large amount of validity. The standing stork test is a fitness test that shows the balance of an athlete. However, if we were to use this test when we were looking for cardiovascular endurance then this would not be valid as it would not be giving us the measurement of the cardiovascular endurance of the athlete.
How to ensure fitness testing at HSC is valid
First, HSC should make sure they know what the sport that the athlete competes or partakes in. This is to make sure that the tests that we give the athlete is relevant. For instance, if an athlete plays rugby, then they would do tests to find out the correlating components of fitness. As it would not be valid if they were given the wrong tests at it would give the wrong measurements.
Next HSC should find out what the best components of fitness for that sport are. For example, the best for rugby would be speed, power, cardiovascular endurance and agility. Therefore, we would make them do tests that find the correct measurements.
After, we would see what tests would suit the person as if they were old, we would not make them do there VO2 max test as it could be harmful and would be unethical. However, we would give them a Harvard step test as it would give the same measurement for what we are looking for and also would be non-harmful to them
Reliability
Reliability is the ‘ability of a test to yield consistent and stable scores across trials over time’ (V.H.Heyward, 2006). In other words, a test is reliable if the results that you obtain after completing the test more than once are the same or similar. However, it is possible to find the reliability of a test without obtaining results. For instance, if you’re always looking for incorrect results, you will always end up with the incorrect results. So, the test is still reliable as you are still receiving the same, or similar results. Even though they may not be they are not accurate they are still reliable.
After the results have been obtained, it is paramount that they are compared with other tests. This is done with normative data. Normative data is gathered from several studies and they are used post testing to find out whether the results that you have obtained are on average or not. However, is it crucial that that the data that is being compared has the correct categories that are needed. This is because the results must be taken from the same groups, for example, age and gender. By using the data, we will now be able to compare with elite sports performers and make a fitness plan that includes target setting.
In quantitate research- ‘research that sets out to gather numbers and measurements’- (Adams et al, 2016) reliability can be one administrator doing the same test with the same athlete over a period of times or occasions. However, alternatively, it can be different researchers conducting the same test and getting identical or similar results. There are certain things that should be considered that can affect reliability. For example, errors can happen if the equipment isn’t used properly. If the equipment is old or poorly maintained, then this will also affect the reliability. Also, the conditions on the days of the test could vary between the tests, so if you are conducting a 30m sprint test when it is windy, the results will not be reliable as they will be dissimilar.
Factors affecting the reliability of fitness tests pre-test:
Calibration of equipment can affect the reliability of the results that are gathered when conducting fitness testing. For example, if you were to conduct a fitness test such as the 30m Sprint Test, you would need to use a trundle wheel to measure out the distance between cones and a stopwatch to time the client over distance between the cones would not necessarily be 30m. It could be shorter or further depending on the type of fault with the equipment. This means that the client may be running 25m and therefore the time would not be accurate when comparing it to the normative data, therefore affecting the reliability of the results.
Warm ups can also affect the reliability of the results when conducting a fitness test. For instance, if I was to conduct any test it would be crucial to do a warm up. If I was to do a Sit and Reach Test it would be very important to stretch the muscles beforehand to rule out the possibility of an injury such as a pull or as rip in any back muscles. However, if there is not a standard warm up for each time that I did the test with the subject it would vary the results because, if they have stretched more or in a better way it would be detrimental to the results when comparing it to normative data. This therefore would make the results unreliable.
Fitness test practice is also crucial when conducting the Fitness Tests reliably. For example, when doing the Vertical Jump Test, it is important to let the subject practice the test that they’re about to take part in as it does take technique to be able to get the best possible data for them. It is important that it is either demonstrated or explained properly to the subject to make sure that they get the best possible results. Also, if they don’t practice beforehand their data after a few jumps will vary a lot and not be the same throughout. This is because they will get better through each jump. Therefore, the data will be unreliable.
Factors affecting the reliability of fitness tests during the test:
The skill level of the administrator is also paramount. For instance, if the administrator is not very experienced, they may not know the technique that is the best to get the best possible results, which would not be helpful for the subject. Also, they may not get the best times recorded because they do not know the way to use the stopwatch in a Sprint Test which could decrease the confidence of the subject, which could also lead to unreliable results
Adherence to test protocol is a very important factor that must be followed. For instance, if a Sit and Reach Test was undertaken, it would be against test protocol to let the subject bend their knees as this would change the outcome of the test hugely. This would make the results unreliable because, on the normative data the other subjects would have adhered to the test protocols properly.
Constant conditions can also affect the outcome of fitness tests. This is because if a 30m Sprint Test is to take place, if it is done outdoors on a windy day and another day in a gymnasium it would make the test unreliable since the times would be very different due to the wind pushing the subject along.
Appropriate rest period between tests can also be a factor that can change the results of a test. If a 100m Sprint Test was to take place, it would be unreliable to make the subject do it twice in a row as the lactic acid build up would affect the outcome of the test because they would be fatigued, therefore, the test would have a slower outcome on the second time they did it. Therefore, making the test unreliable.
Recommendations on how HSC can ensure fitness testing is reliable
To ensure that the tests are all reliable, there are many different factors that must be implemented.
One of the crucial things that needs to be done, is that the equipment must be calibrated properly. Before starting the test, the administrator should ensure that the equipment is all in good working order. To do this, the measuring equipment should be calibrated and fit for purpose. In some cases, you may have to look for specialist help to ensure the equipment is serviced and in good working order. The equipment should be calibrated before each test and preferably every day. HSC could also hire a specialist to check the state of the equipment that is used every day.
Secondly HSC should have a standard warm up. For all tests to ensure that the performer’s muscles are ready. This is because many of the fitness tests will require strenuous exercise, and therefore the subjects must be fully prepared to prevent and injuries. This is important especially where flexibility and power tests are conducted .it is also important that the time spent warming up and practicing the test before taking part in the actual test because if the subject spends too much time stretching then it will not be reliable. For instance, the sit and reach test scores will vary depending on how long they stretch and what stretches they do.
To ensure the test results are reliable, you must make sure the performer is using the correct technique, otherwise they will have a low score or scores that vary a lot. A good practice would be to demonstrate the technique and let them practice before the test commences. During the test, highlight and correct any poor techniques. After a long amount of time or attempts, the subject will begin to tire, and this must be watched for and corrected.
During the test the testing must be checked also. Firstly, the more experienced the administrator, the more reliable the test will be. Therefore, it is vital that the administrator practices each test, so their skill levels increase also, thus making the subject feel more confident as they are reassured by your demonstrations.
To ensure that the results are reliable and that they can be compared with normative data, it is imperative that the standard test protocol is also followed. If the normal methods have not followed them the results are likely to be inaccurate and therefore, unreliable. For example, if the test chosen is the multi-stage fitness test but only measure 15 metres instead of 20 metres, the results will be invalid and unreliable.
The conditions of the test must be kept the same as well. For example, if the first test is done on a windy, open field, it would be unreliable to, for the second test, be done in a gym or laboratory. However, they both have fall backs. Field based tests will almost always have wind or a weather fa tor to it. If the weather changes a lot, which is likely to happen in Britain, the athlete will perform different in contrasting weathers. When doing laboratory-based tests, it can be restrictive especially for tests like the 60m sprint test.
To ensure that the subjects to do the tests given, they must be fully rested before-hand, or the data received from the test would be unreliable. This is important especially for the vertical jump test, especially when they are practicing before-hand it would be wise to give the performer time to rest before starting the test, or when the test involves working to maximal level, like in the VO2 max test. Therefore, the subject should be fully rested before commencing any tests. without recovery time, it is likely that the subsequent tests will be affected due to fatigue.
Practicality
The innermost part of a successful test is the ability to distinguish the component of fitness that one intends to assess, before choosing the most suitable test, and then interpreting the data with normative data. However, there are several additional factors that must be considered by the administrator, that will determine whether it is possible to undertake a range of fitness tests:
An important factor when measuring the fitness of an athlete is the almost inescapable cost of equipment. A lot of tests will require highly specialised and advanced laboratory equipment which is rather costly. None the less, a number of tests only require basic sports equipment such as a stopwatch, tape measure and cones.
Fitness testing can consume a large sum of time, especially when working with a large group of people such as a team or squad. Some test can be quick and easy, as opposed to others that can take a long amount of time. Also, some tests require for you to be on a one-to-one basis with the athlete. Tests such as the multi stage fitness test can be administered to a large group of subjects at the same time.
It is important that the test you’re going to plan and choose is considered and enough time is delegated to the test to ensure it is done properly. The time delegated also includes time to give feedback to the subjects/subject. Also, remember to consider the order of the tests to ensure you allow enough recovery time
Having the correct equipment is paramount when measuring the components of fitness. A lot of tests can be conducted using only basic equipment, although some other tests, like the VO2 max test, can be quite expensive and advanced. Whatever the equipment, it is crucial that you are familiar with how it works, it is maintained properly, and it must be serviced regularly also. It is also important that the equipment is calibrated before each test if necessary. Do not start a test with broken equipment, as this could be dangerous and also could lead to inaccurate and unreliable tests
Fortunately, several components of fitness can be measured using different tests, in some cases the data that you obtain will be predicted results rather than actual results. For instance, the VO2 max test is a multi-stage fitness test that will allow you to predict your aerobic capacity, whereas, a maximal oxygen consumption test will give you the real aerobic capacity.
Using having an appropriate facility will ensure that results are accurate and reliable. Always check facilities before use and identify any hazards in proximity. Likewise, having changing facilities and a rest area will help make your subjects comfortable
Recommendations on how HSC can ensure fitness testing is practical
Cost must be taken into consideration when looking at which tests are practical for HSC when undertaking Fitness Tests. For instance, if a subject comes who is not very athletic it would not be practical to do a test like the VO2 Max Test. This is because it is very expensive to do and would be unpractical to spend that amount of money on a subject. Also, the equipment for the VO2 Max Test is very expensive, therefore, for the sake of a smaller sports centre like HSC it would be very unpractical to buy such equipment as not many professional athletes will, realistically, go there. Also, it is not very realistic that someone will need to do an expensive test at HSC and, also there will be a limited budget that will limit the cost that will be. I would recommend to HSC that they buy equipment that can be used for more than just one test like cones and stop watches. Also, I would recommend that they could look at borrowing or leasing equipment from bigger organisations.
Time is also a large factor that can affect the practicality of a test. For example, if a team was to come to be tested, they could do a test like the Multi Stage Fitness Test. This would work because it is easy to assess more than one person in this test very quickly. However, doing a test like the Sit and Reach Test could take much longer as it needs a one to one interaction with the administrator and the subject, however the MSFT can be done with a whole team at once because it doesn’t need such attention
Most tests can be done by just using basic equipment (cones, stopwatch etc.). Therefore, it is sometimes unpractical to buy expensive equipment however it comes with a lot of ease when looking for some components of fitness. For instance, the Grip Dynamometer Test is the easiest way to test the hand grip strength of a client, but it is very expensive. I would advise HSC to buy the basic equipment and other equipment like a grip dynamometer and a Wattbike to get reliable and accurate results that would be done with equipment that is easy to use and inexpensive, therefore this equipment can be used at HSC. But it would be unpractical to buy a VO2 max machine (cardio coach) as they’re incredibly expensive.
Facilities available can are important in the practicality of a test. For instance, I would not advise HSC to conduct a 100m sprint test in their waiting room or café as it is not practical at all for obvious reasons. I would advise that HSC devise a designated spot that different tests take place so that the conditions are as similar as possible. Also, HSC should have built changing rooms and a rest area. HSC should also have a room booking system so there are not any clashes when wanting to use space for fitness tests for fitness classes.
Suitability
While planning fitness testing, make sure that the tests that are decided to be used are suitable for the components of sport that are decided upon. Evey sport requires certain attributes that will make the subject more successful in their sport. For example. It would not be necessary to test a marathon runner on their sprint speed- the testing time would be more useful spent in other areas.
Also, it is imperative that the administrator considers the fitness levels of the athlete and only makes them do tests which are relevant and suitable. For instance, if a performer has low fitness levels it would not be suitable for them to do a maximal aerobic test such as a VO2 max test.
It is imperative that the choice of someone’s test by the administrator is appropriate to the client’s sport. For example, if the client is a marathon runner it would be suitable to do a VO2 max test. However, it would be unsuitable if it was chosen that said client does a 50m Sprint test as it would not give us suitable results as we don’t need to know how fast a marathon runner can sprint, but we should find out what their maximal capacity is as this data would be much more helpful.
The sport performer’s capability should also be considered also. If an older client was to come in for fitness testing, it would be unacceptable to make them do a maximal fitness test that could potentially injure them, but it would be acceptable to do a test like the Harvard Step Test as this would give us reliable, accurate results that can be helpful, but at the same time, it would not put the client under any sort of chance of getting injured. Also, if a premier league footballer came in it would be unsuitable to do small exercises that are very easy
The fitness levels of the performer are also very important for the suitability of a test, for instance, if there is a more unfit client that comes, it would be unsuitable and unprofessional for the administrator to make them do a maximal fitness test as it could harm them. It is most suitable to make sure that before doing fitness tests with clients who are very unfit that they’re made much more aware of the intensity of the test they’re about to do.
Recommendations on how HSC can ensure Fitness Testing is Suitable.
It is paramount that appropriateness of a test is considered for an individual when testing at HSC. I would recommend that it is clarified with all administrators what tests should be conducted with each different component of fitness so that they know what test they should do. For instance, if they’re trying to find someone’s agility, they should know that their client should be made to do the Illinois Agility Test as it is the most suitable test.
Performers capability something that must be considered before starting any sort of test. For instance, it would be unsuitable to make an older person to do a maximal test, like the VO2 Max Test, so I would advise HSC to make older people do a sub-maximal test like the Queens College Step Test as this will not exhaust the older client. In contrast, if a young, fit athlete came to HSC I would advise that they do a maximal test that will give more accurate results and would not be dangerous.
It is very important to make sure the level of fitness of a client is taken in to consideration also. For instance, if someone who is overweight or obese came in, it would be unsuitable to give them a maximal test and then give them a plan that is very hard and unfair. I would advise that all administrators are advised to go easy on people who claim to be, or evidently are unfit as it could injure the client, or they could just lose the client from coming to HSC.
Ethical issues associated with fitness screening
Ethics in terms of fitness testing means is the practice of setting standards for right and wrong behaviour. For example, especially when working with younger people it's crucial that there is a safeguarding routine. For instance, the rooms that the tests take part in should always have a window on them, also if the test is with a younger person it would be advisable to let their guardian or parent stay with them if the child or parent feels uncomfortable. When doing tests like the skinfold test, it is also a good idea to have more than one administrator there as it could be a safeguarding risk if someone is left with another person. Another important factor is that the relationship between the administrator and subject is always kept professional and is not taken beyond that boundary, whether it is a friendship or romantic.
An informed consent form is ‘the document that participants must sign before participating in a clinical research study. The informed consent document should give specific information about the study that you are considering and should contain the following information’(https://www.quorumreview.com/qa_faqs/informed-consent-form/). Before commencing any sort of fitness testing it is important to get informed consent from the subjects. Also, the welfare of the participant should always be considered, when carrying out the fitness tests. Informed consent forms are used to prove the consent of the client to the fitness trainer so they can keep their details in their data base and can keep any details they need
If a test is going the wrong way it may need to be terminated. This can be due to many things. For example, if the subject has injured themselves it would be wise to terminate the test to then be able to assess the injury. Fitness tests should also be terminated if the technique of how the client is doing the test is dangerous to themselves. A test would be terminated if it is a danger to the client, administrator or the people in the vicinity
Before a test the client should be given different preparation on how to arrive to the test. For instance, they should be told to not do any exercise in a period before the test as the lactic acid that is produced could hinder their ability, making the test unreliable. Also, they should be advised to drink plenty of water especially with maximal and sub-maximal tests, however they not drink too much money as this could cause them to be sick. On the behalf of the administrator, he should make sure that he chooses the correct warm up for the correct test. For instance, if they were about to do a 50m Sprint test it would be unethical to get them to only warm up their arms.
It is crucial to make sure that the subjects’ welfare is always put first in the administrator's mind. For instance, it should always be made sure that the subject is clear and happy with what to do in the test they’re given. The subjects’ health is always something that is always considered. Also asking small questions about how they are during the test could be something that makes the client more comfortable and also it may not be easily visible that the client is in discomfort or pain.
To make certain that the results you gain from a series of fitness tests are valid and reliable, you must ensure that the participant is fully prepared for the testing session. Before the test, the participant should be rested and free from injury. Likewise, they must be fully recovered from any previous exercise and should not have partaken in physical activity immediately prior to the test.
For tests like the body composition test using bio impedance the participant must have been hydrated fully. This is also crucial for tests where aerobic and muscular endurance are being measured so that the subject does not get dehydrated when partaking in the test. For several tests, including flexibility and power and strength tests, a full warm-up should be done by the participant to try to make sure there is not any sort of injury.
Ethical Clearance
Ethical practice involves setting clear rules to make certain appropriate behavior is always maintained. Codes for ethics for the fitness trainers exist to make sure the clients’ welfare is always a primary concern, whether it is to do with safe guarding or otherwise. This means that the administrators are always totally responsible for their clients’ safety and must maintain high professional standards.
In the role of the administrator, it is expected that you act in a professional and ethical way. It is expected that the administrator respects the rights and dignity of the participant, without fail. You are also completely responsible for the setting and monitoring of a working and friendship relationship with the participant. This is particularly important when the subject is a young person due to safeguarding etc.
When using the results of the fitness testing for research projects, it is crucial that ethical clearance is received from a tutor, college or school ethics committee. An ethics committee is a committee that looks over the research that has been proposed and then decides whether it is appropriate and ethical, then, in turn, confirming whether you can start work on your project.
Ethical clearance is needed because the clients taking part in the testing must be honest and it must be fair towards them to make sure that they do not have an experience at HSC that will affect them in a negative way.
Data Protection
Data protection is something that must happen when holding data. The data is the information about a client or employee that is completely confidential to them and the work place must ensure that this happens. If this information is leaked or let out HSC could face closure as it is against the law to tell or give this info to people without permission. The client whos’ data was leaked could take HSC to court and this could have drastic consequences. Saving the data will be very helpful as it will show any conditions, allergies or other needed information.
As part of the pre-screening and collection of fitness test results, you will collect confidential data. Any data you collect is protected under the terms of the Data Protection Act (1998) and must be stored in a locked filing cabinet or on a password protected computer, accessible only by you or the supervisor. It must not be disclosed to anyone else without permission of the subject who took part in said tests
The data that is at HSC should be kept in a locked room in a filing cabinet- preferably with a lock. The only people can access the data should be the administrator of the client and the client. The data could also, more modernly, a database through a computer that is password protected. This will save a lot of work and filing causing a more organised place of data storage.
Recommendations on how HSC can ensure Fitness Training is Ethical
It is important that the administrators at HSC can identify when it is reasonable, or needed, to terminate a test. For instance, if a subject is in pain or has injured themselves, they should immediately terminate the test. My advice to HSC would be to have a medic on site and not only this but have all administrators trained in first aid and CPR in case this unfortunately unfolds. Also, I would suggest that the administrators keep aware of the breathing on the client because if they’re panting and breathing heavily it could, sometimes, be wise to terminate the test.
It is also crucial to make sure that the appropriate preparation takes place before any test. I would advise that HSC recommend that all clients are rested well and hydrated well before any tests; having water fountains and vending machines could help with this massively. I would also advise that they maybe give out a leaflet that informs the client of what theyre doing and how they should prepare.
Data protection is also a very important factor that must be ethical. There must not be any chance of the data and information that is being kept about someone escaping. I would advise that all data that is kept at HSC is kept either in a locked cabinet in a locked room, which is only accessible by the workers of HSC or more simply kept on a locked computer in a data base. I would also advise that HSC hires an information technology worker who can help with any problems that they’re having with the database or computers.