If you have been following along with this blog, then you know that I have been studying for the CSCS exam through the NSCA-OMG, right? Yes, the alphabet soup names and tests in the fitness world can be a little overwhelming. CSCS stands for Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. The name really says it all in that you will obtain a specialized certification within the strength ang conditioning world. The exam is centered around athletes Studying for this exam is much more detailed and though than when I got my degree in Exercise Science and Personal Training exam. The NSCA is the National Strength and Conditioning Association. They are the premier association pertaining towards fitness. If you're into fitness (I assume you are if your reading) then it is worth a look. In June I took the exam and passed the scientific portion and failed the practical portion of the exam-hence the blog centered around chapters. Basically, what I do is read a section of the book, take notes then write the down in a blog. I figured if I could write about it then I can retain the material at a higher level (which is needed for the test). We begin the Practical portion side of studying with chapter 12.
As you might have guessed chapter 12 is about the principles behind testing and why we test athletes. We test athletes to establish athletic talent, identify physical abilities and identify needs of improvement. There are two ways to test athletes: In a lab with testing equipment and subject matter experts. An example would be a Vo2 max test on a treadmill with the necessary equipment. Another way is to conduct field tests. An example would be testing Vo2 max on a track using the MAS or 1.5-mile test. A facility may not have the equipment for Vo2 max testing thus the need for field tests.
A test itself has to be Valid or incorporate validity. Validity is simply the degree in which a test measures what is supposed to measure. It is one of the most important characteristics of testing. Validity is an umbrella term that includes construct, face, content and criterion referenced validity.
Construct Validity refers to the overall validity of the test. Or in nerdy fitness terms the ability of a test to represent the underlying construct of the test. For a test to be valid it should measure the abilities important to the sport and produce repeatable results. Having marathon runners conducting a 1RM max bench press would not be a valid test considering the needs of the sport.
Face Validity refers to how the test appears to athletes and casual observers. Having face validity enables "buy in" from athletes thus resulting in a more positive result. A strength test using the YMCA bench press looks like a strength test to the casual observer. Content Validity is the assessment by experts that the test covers relevant components. This would be the difference between assessing a YMCA bench press test for strength athletes. An expert would know that the YMCA is more geared for endurance while a 1RM bench press is a true assessment of strength.
Criterion-Referenced Validity is a part of the overall validity aspect of testing, and includes four terms: Concurrent, predictive and discriminate. Criterion-Referenced Validity are test scores that are associated with some other measure of the same ability and is often scored statistically. Concurrent validity is the extent to which test scores are associated with other accepted tests. If you look at the results from a body fat assessment such as an Air pod and a In body machine the results would statistically be similar.
Convergent validity is the high correlation between a field test and a lab test. In our above example using Vo2 max with laboratory equipment and MAS test is a good example. Lab testing is the "Gold" standard in measuring aerobic capacity. However, with time, talent and tools being variables across the country a MAS test would make better sense considering the tools available. Predictive validity is how test score correlate to field performance. The NFL combine is a perfect example of predictive validity. Discriminant validity is the test to distinguish between two different constructs or in laymen's terms one test for each ability. Having a battery of tests that include a 1RM to measure strength and a YMCA bench press to measure muscular endurance would not be a valid test due to the same muscle groups being used. A better way to measure strength and endurance in the same battery would be a 1RM squat and YMCA bench press. Two opposing muscle groups that measure two different aspects of fitness.
No comments:
Post a Comment