subject: Christine Gillions : Fitness Testing Protocol for Children aged 10-15 years [print this page] Christine Gillions : Fitness Testing Protocol for Children aged 10-15 years
Just like adults, children need a pre-assessment before embarking on a fitness program. This report outlines the four components of fitness that should be tested when working with children between the ages of 10-15 years who are just starting an exercise program, plus provides reasons for each components of fitness selection, along with an appropriate assessment tool for each component.
Aerobic Endurance
Aerobic fitness is an important indicator of overall physical health in children and young people and therefore sets the starting benchmark for a fitness program. A measure of aerobic fitness also provides an insight into any potential health problems in adulthood, for which the foundation are being developed as a result of poor aerobic fitness as a child. A young person entering adulthood with a sub-optimal level of cardiorespiratory fitness risks a future with coronary heart disease and other chronic diseases among adults, such as colorectal cancer, type 2 diabetes, depression and overall a shorter lifespan.
Test: 20m Shuttle Run (Beep)
Agility
Agility is a key aspect of sports performance, because it underpins neuromuscular control and motor skill function (establishing overall athleticism). Movement mechanics (especially changing directions) is a common a cause of injury and a heightened level of agility reduces this risk and increases fitness performance. Adding to the importance of this component of fitness for this age group is the fact that this is the stage of biological and cognitive development which is the most critical period of agility development. Also for those in this age group who are undergoing pubertal growth spurts, the changes ion body size, shape and weight requires modification to many of the movement skills that have already be learnt, so their agility skills are compatible with their new bodies
Test:Zig Zag Test
Flexibility
At this early puberty stage there is a lot of growing and this age group often experiences what our mothers referred to as growing pains' - the bones growing faster than the muscles and supporting connective tissue i.e. causing pain. Flexibility training can and should target those areas most prone to pain. This includes quadriceps, hamstrings and muscles of the lower lumbar spine specifically. Poor posture, reduced movement skill and injury are all potential concerns of rapid growth, but can be limited with appropriate flexibility habits
Test: Sit and Reach Test
Body Composition
Realistic or imaginary self-perception of their body composition (I'm too fat'/I'm too thin') is a major concern for young people at this emotional and social development stage where self-identify and peer acceptance are key elements. Therefore it is important, as part of developing a suitable program with the appropriate shared goals (student and trainer/teacher), to establish a shared understanding of the young person's body composition and what this means in relation to their program's goals. Secondly, with just over 25% of Australian children now classified as overweight or obese, it is high likely that many of the young people will fall into this category and will go on with a 78% chance of being an overweight/obese adult with all the health problems that come with that lifestyle condition. Consequently, it is important to address the issue of the young person's body composition.
Test: Body Max Index
Christine Gillions, Education and Fitness Professional with specialisations including Exercise for Children and Young Adolescents
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