Concept of Test

A test is a device or tool used to carry out a certain measurement. This

instrument could be written, spoken, mechanical (like a treadmill),
physiological, psychological, or in another way.

Measurement is the act of assessing. Usually this results in assigning a number

to the character of whatever is assessed.

Evaluation is a statement of quality, goodness, merit, value, or worthiness about

what has been assessed. Evaluation implies decision making.

Example 1: A physical education teacher records the 30 sit-ups that a student

completes in 1 min and reports the score as Good. In this example, Test is Sit-
ups, Measurement is 30 sit-ups and Evaluation is Good.

Measurement & Evaluation in Physical Education & sports.

The terms test, measurement, evaluation, and assessment are occasionally used
inter changeably, but most users make distinctions among them.

a. Test – The word “test” is typically seen as being the most specific of the
three meanings because it refers to the tools, instrument, or group of
questions used to measure an aspect, quality, or condition of a given
person, thing, or event.

b. Measurement – Measurement includes both the quantitative style of

evaluation and test results. For evaluation to take the quantitative form of
numbers or scores, measurement is necessary.
c. Evaluation – Evaluation as professional judgement or as a method that
enables one to decide whether something is valuable or desirable. As a result,
measurement and evaluation are not the same.
The same measure (test score) may be obtained by two athletes, but due to the
variety of evaluation criteria accessible in terms of norms and criterion
measures, those criteria may be assessed differently.

Skinfold 3 sites- A three-site skinfold is commonly done and includes the chest,
abdomen, and thigh on men and triceps, suprailiac, and thigh on women.

The five most common sites assessed include triceps, subscapular, suprailiac,
abdomen, thigh (McArdle, Katch, and Katch 2005). Chest and biceps are
additional sites that are sometimes used. The skinfold measures (which should
be taken two or three times at each site and then averaged) are then incorporated
into equations to predict percent body fat. These are the main advantages of
skinfold calipers:

• They are easy to use (once the person is well trained in the technique).
• They do not require much time per person.
• They are non-invasive and inexpensive.

3-Site Skinfold (Jackson & Pollock) Protocol

Purpose
Estimate body fat % based on measurements of subcutaneous fat.

Equipment
Skinfold caliper
Procedure
Measurements are taken on the right side of body. Caliber needs to be
perpendicular to the site analyzed. The participant must relax the muscle group
that is being assessed. When skin fold is pinched, the practitioner should be
taking reading at the middle of the pinched skin, not apex or base. Wait 1 to 2
seconds after releasing caliber, record closest 0.5mm. Retake each site in order
to obtain accurate readings.

Male measurements:

• Chest: diagonal fold half the distance between anterior axillary line and
the nipple.
• Abdominal: vertical fold 2cm to the right of the navel.
• Thigh: midpoint of the anterior side of the upper leg between the patella
and top of thigh.
Female measurements:

• Tricep: vertical fold at the midpoint of the posterior side of tricep

between shoulder and elbow with arm relaxed at the side.
• Suprailiac: diagonal fold parallel and superior to the iliac crest.
• Thigh: midpoint of the anterior side of the upper leg between the patella
and top of thigh.

The Three Somatotypes

A somatotype is defined as a “quantitative overall appraisal of the present shape

and composition of the human body.” Classifying different body types based
on physique provides three generalized divisions of body types: endomorph,
mesomorph, and ectomorph. As with anything, it’s rare for someone to fall
entirely into one somatotype. You might show a combination of qualities from
two somatotypes, such as an ectomorph-endomorph hybrid or an endomorph-
ectomorph.
There are countless articles about how having a general idea of where you fit on
the somatotype scale can help give you the knowledge you need to make
informed decisions in your quest to change your body composition. However,
before we examine these claims more closely, let’s take a quick look at the
general structures of the 3 somatotypes:

The Shapes

Ectomorphs

That super skinny friend of yours that often gets called a “stick” falls primarily
into the somatotype category of an ectomorph. Naturally lean with a tendency
towards long limbs, ectomorphs typically possess that slender look no matter
what type of diet they consume. A lot of endurance runners and swimmers are
ectomorphs. Although ectomorphs may have a decent amount of muscle, due to
their long limb-length, they may appear visually to have less muscle
development. Similarly, body fat also seems to get hidden by their long, slender
figure – meaning ectomorphs seem to get away with a few extra pounds of fat.
Because of this, if ectomorphs aren’t taking care of their health, they can
become skinny fat.

Mesomorphs

Mesomorphs are the natural athletes out of the three somatotypes. They are the
lucky few, that can achieve a muscular physique without really trying. The
physiology of a mesomorph tends to include narrow hips, wide back, and larger
frame that contributes to an often muscular appearance. Many professional
fighters, wide receivers, and basketball players fall are mesomorphs.

Endomorphs
Endomorphs are the larger structured somatotypes with both wide hips and
shoulders but shorter arms and legs. This type of body shape is great for
activities that require a lot of strength. When you think of endomorphs, think of
rugby props, strength athletes, and powerlifters. Endomorph body-types are
even considered to be a contributing factor in race performance in Ironman
athletes.

The Composition

Recall the definition of somatotypes as having both a shape and composition

component. While your shape may be set from the start, your body composition
is not set in stone. So what are the general body compositions for these different
somatotypes?
Ectomorphs look lean and often they do tend to get placed into the category of
endurance athletes. People with these body types seem to struggle with gaining
weight and altering their body composition through lean muscle mass gain.
Their efforts in the gym may seem to have little effect visually, even causing
frustration when trying to initiate a change.
Mesomorphs, on the other hand, have a larger frame that lends to the
appearance of a body composition with a high percentage of lean muscle mass
and a lower body fat percentage. The result is a more athletic, muscular look.
Endomorphs tend to have shorter, rounder frames, with the appearance of a
large amount of both muscle and fat mass. However, due to their stockier
features, body fat stored by these individuals tend to be more readily
noticeable compared to the other body structures.
Now that we have a better idea of what these three somatotypes look like, let’s
see what this really means for your body composition goals and whether or not
you can make a difference despite your genetics.
Nature vs. Nurture

Considering somatotypes and body composition often leads to the question: Is

our body type predetermined by our genetics or can you impact the way your
body looks with my lifestyle choices? Numerous studies have investigated the
hereditary implications of body composition and the effect of genetics versus
environmental factors. Let’s take a look at what they’ve found.
We know that we inherit our genes from our parents. Studies do show a genetic
connection between parents and children (nature)-– also reflected in similarities
amongst siblings– with the maternal genes having a more significant impact in
many cases.
So somatotype is hereditary, but external factors have an effect as well.
Lifestyle choices, like diet and exercise, both affect your overall body
composition and can contribute to that slender or stocky look. There’s certainly
a link between diet and body composition, where a diet (or lack thereof) can
either promote or hinder your health goals. Similarly, your appearance will also
greatly depend on the type of training you engage in and whether your goal is to
build strength, size, or muscular endurance.
What does this tell us?
In a nutshell, while your body shape and size may be somewhat set in stone,
your body composition is not.

Breaking Out of the Mold

It’s important to remember that somatotypes describe different body types in

order to provide general guidelines for health and fitness. Remember,
somatotypes are defined as a “quantitative overall appraisal of the present shape
and composition of the human body.” While you may be genetically
predisposed to have a certain body structure, your lifestyle can impact your
body composition and cause your somatotype to change.
Let’s look at the example of the ectomorph. Ectomorphs have been implicated
to be better at aerobic exercises like running or swimming. Intuitively, this
makes sense. Having longer limbs helps increase stride length and a lower
overall body fat percentage helps reduce resistance caused by excess body fat.
Races have actually introduced the concept of “Clydesdale or Athena” runners
since lower weight has been attributed to better running performance in
marathons. Mesomorphs and endomorphs, on the other hand, may possess
shorter limb length that may allow them to engage in more power and strength
building activities, contributing to the image of these body types having greater
musculature.
Now, let’s say an ectomorph wanted to become a powerlifter and achieve a
larger figure, breaking out of his ectomorph shell. Would he be condemned to
the life of an ectomorph or can he still achieve one of the other body types?
Think about it this way: If an ectomorph ate cheeseburgers and milkshakes all
day and lifted weights like a powerlifter, would he always look like an
ectomorph or would his body shape eventually become more of a mesomorph
type shape, or even an endomorph type shape?
The point is, just because you fall into a certain somatotype, doesn’t always
mean you’re stuck in what your body type ‘should’ excel at. Take volleyball
for example: a study looking at somatotype in elite volleyball players found that
players in various positions had different somatotypes.
Furthermore, your somatotype doesn’t limit what you can do to change your
body. A study conducted on weightlifters found that there were athletes from all
body types scattered throughout the participants. So even if your genetics play a
large role in predicting your body frame, you can still engage in the types of
activities you enjoy to ensure your genetics don’t decide your overall body
composition.
How Can This Information Help You Change Your Body Composition?

Genetics can prevent you from changing your body structure, but your shape
doesn’t tell you what body composition you have to have. Knowing your
somatotype can allow you to work with your body to make adjustments to
factors you can control, rather than working against it and being constantly
frustrated by your lack of success.
For example, many NBA athletes start their career with an ectomorphic frame
due to their long torso and limb lengths in conjunction with their slender figure.
With years of full-body strength training and conditioning, they shift their
somatotype to a hybrid ectomorph-mesomorphic body type that makes them
ideal bodies for the sport of basketball.
So remember, your body shape can change. Which brings up another important
point – monitoring those changes in the long run. As a mesomorph, you may be
happy to show off your naturally athletic-looking body at the pool, or as an
ectomorph, you may enjoy the way dresses drape your long, slender frame.
But beware: like anyone else, you have to maintain a healthy body composition
through healthy lifestyle choices. Despite your current body shape or health,
you’re still at risk of sarcopenia (age-related muscle degradation) or fat
accumulation due to unhealthy lifestyle choices like a poor diet or lack of
physical activity.
Relying on the perks of your somatotype isn’t a long-term strategy for
health and longevity. Continued resistance training, even simply once or twice
a week at moderate intensity, can help prevent muscle loss related to aging and
maintain an optimal body composition.

Scales of Measurement

Measurement numbers are composed of scales. There are four scales of

measurement –
a. Nominal measurement scales – Nominal measuring scales are used to name,
label, or represent categories of things. Nominal scales classify objects or
persons into groups. such as the categorization of gender into male and female.

b. Ordinal scales – Ordinal scales rank or order objects. An ordinal number in

measurement refers to a person or thing’s assigned rank. For example, in sports
First, Second, and Third place,.

c. Interval scale – The interval scale is the measurement system that is most
frequently used in physical education. Scales for measuring intervals are based
on a continuum, where the space (or separation) between any two values is
constant. The gaps are exactly equal to one another. 2, 4, 6, and 8 are spaced
equally apart, for instance. The absolute value of 0 on this scale is not present.

d. Ratio scale – The ratio scale is the most complex, exact, and cutting-edge
measurement scale. Because it has an absolute, meaningful zero, the ratio
measurement scale sets itself apart from the interval measurement scale. For
instance, if a person’s pulse is zero, that person is not alive. Something is said to
be weightless if its weight is zero.

Measurement & Evaluation in Physical Education & sports.

There are several ways, then, in which evaluation procedures aid the teacher:

• They help in providing knowledge concerning students’ entry

behaviours.
• They help in setting, refining, and clarifying realistic goals for each
student.
• They help in evaluating the degree to which the objectives have
been achieved.
 • They help in determining, evaluating, and refining the instructional
techniques.

Classification of Tests in Physical Education and Sports.

There are four different types of testing in schools.

a. Diagnostic Test
b. Formative Test
c. Benchmark Test
d. Summative Test

a. Diagnostic Test – Diagnostic assessments include pre-assessment exams that

provide an overview or diagnosis knowledge to screen students. A teacher can
utilize diagnostic testing to ensure that a lesson on two-digit multiplication is
effectively given to young students before beginning the lesson.

b. Formative Testing – Testing of this kind is done to determine how much the
students have learned so far. It is employed during a lecture and intended to
provide students with the chance to show that they have understood the subject.
Continuous formative assessment is used to acquire input that both the teacher
and the student can use.

c. Benchmark Testing – The Benchmarks should be used to assist professional

conversation about how close a learner is to achieving a level and to track
progress toward that level. Before going on to the next level, learners do not
have to provide proof of mastering every area of their learning as outlined in the
Benchmarks.
d. Summative Testing – Summative assessment gives information and feedback
that summarizes the teaching and learning process. It occurs after the learning
has been finished.

Test administration guidelines in physical education and sports

Here are some recommendations for selecting the testing sequence.

a. Health Checks – When a person is fully rested, blood pressure and resting
heart rate should always be checked first.

b. Anthropometry – Before taking your body’s composition measures, you

shouldn’t exercise. This test should always come first and immediately follow
any health examinations.

c. Flexibility – The flexibility tests should be scheduled early in the session

before any activity, after a good warm-up, or after the speed tests, depending on
whether the test protocol calls for one or not.

d. Speed / Power tests – Typically, power tests are conducted first, then tests of
speed, agility, strength, and muscle endurance, and finally testing of
cardiorespiratory capacity or repeat sprints. Any speed and power test should be
followed by a complete warm-up. Before the sprint test, the vertical jump test
can be done.

e. Muscle Strength – Always perform muscle strength (1-10RM) tests after the
speed and power tests, but before muscle endurance tests.

f. Muscular Endurance – The ideal time interval between muscle strength and
endurance testing is five minutes. You must give yourself plenty of time to
recuperate between tests if you are doing many muscular strength and
endurance tests in one session.

g. Aerobic Fitness – Numerous submaximal aerobic tests are based on a heart

rate response and should be scheduled appropriately because they may be
impacted by prior tests and the athlete’s mental state.