Is fitness testing appropriate in school physical education?
There are several concerns about the administering of fitness tests in school physical education. Despite claims from those who market and sell fitness testing programs, there is little if any evidence that performance on a fitness test (a) relates to how healthy a student might be, (b) educates a student about the importance of being physically active, or (c) motivates a student to develop a lifelong activity habit. The problems associated with fitness testing in a physical education classes are significant. (1) Is fitness test performance related to health? The major components that constitute ‘health-related fitness’ can each be assessed by one or more tests. Fitness test items (purport to) measure aerobic capacity, flexibility, muscle strength and endurance, and body fat.
