SANSKARTIRTH GYANPEETH

PHYSICAL EDUCATION [048]

Unit 6: Test, Measurement, and Evaluation

1….Meaning of Test, Measurement, and Evaluation

 Test:
A test is a tool or instrument used to assess or measure a specific skill, ability, or attribute of an individual. For
example, a 50-meter dash to test speed.
 Measurement:
Measurement is the process of collecting data or recording the results obtained from a test. It involves
quantifying performance, such as timing the 50-meter dash in seconds.
 Evaluation:
Evaluation is the process of interpreting the measured data to make judgments about the performance, progress,
or achievement of an individual. For example, deciding if the time recorded in the 50-meter dash is good or
needs improvement.

2…. Importance of Test, Measurement, and Evaluation in Physical Education

1. To Assess Performance: Helps to understand an individual’s current physical fitness and skills.
2. To Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Pinpoints areas needing improvement.
3. To Motivate Participants: Encourages athletes to improve their performance.
4. To Monitor Progress: Tracks development over time.
5. To Select Players: Helps in selection for teams or competitions.
6. To Develop Training Programs: Assists in planning customized training based on evaluation.
7. To Maintain Records: Keeps track of individual or team performance.

3….Body Measurements & Calculations

1. Body Mass Index (BMI)

Meaning:
BMI is a measure to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obesity based on height and weight.

Formula:

BMI=(Weight in kg/Height*Height in meter)

Example:

 Weight = 70 kg
 Height = 1.75 m

BMI=70/1.75×1.75

=22.86

BMI Classification:

 Below 18.5 = Underweight

 18.5 – 24.9 = Normal weight
 25 – 29.9 = Overweight
 30 and above = Obesity
2. Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR)

Meaning:
WHR measures fat distribution in the body by comparing waist and hip circumference. It indicates risk for
cardiovascular diseases.

Formula:

WHR=Waist circumference/Hip circumference

Measurement:

 Waist: Measured at the narrowest part of the torso or just above the navel.
 Hip: Measured at the widest part of the hips.

Example:

 Waist = 80 cm
 Hip = 100 cm

WHR=80/100
=0.8

Risk Levels:

 Men: WHR > 0.90 (high risk)

 Women: WHR > 0.85 (high risk)

3. Skinfold Measurement

Meaning:
Skinfold measurement estimates body fat percentage by measuring the thickness of skinfolds at specific body sites.

Common Sites:

 Triceps
 Biceps
 Subscapular (below shoulder blade)
 Suprailiac (above hip bone)

Procedure:

 Use a caliper to pinch and measure the thickness of the skinfold in millimetres.
 Take measurements on the right side of the body for consistency.
 Take 2-3 readings and calculate the average.

Body Fat Percentage Estimation:

 Sum of skinfold measurements is used in formulas (like Jackson-Pollock) to estimate body fat %.
 Specific formulas vary by gender and age.

4….Procedures for Skinfold Measurement

1. Triceps (Arm) Skinfold

 Location: Back of the upper arm (posterior midline), halfway between the tip of the shoulder (acromion) and the
tip of the elbow (olecranon process).
 Procedure:
o Ask the person to relax the arm by their side.
 o Use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the skin and underlying fat (not muscle).
o Lift the fold away from the muscle.
o Place the caliper jaws about 1 cm below your fingers on the skinfold.
o Take the reading 2 seconds after applying the caliper pressure.
o Record the measurement in millimeters (mm).

2. Subscapular Skinfold

 Location: Just below the inferior angle of the scapula (shoulder blade), at about a 45-degree angle following the
natural fold of the skin.
 Procedure:
o Locate the lower tip of the scapula on the back.
o Pinch the skinfold diagonally downward and outward at a 45-degree angle.
o Use the caliper 1 cm below the fingers holding the skinfold.
o Wait 2 seconds and record the measurement in mm.

3. Suprailiac Skinfold

 Location: Above the iliac crest (top of the hip bone), in line with the mid-axillary line (side of the torso).
 Procedure:
o Find the iliac crest on the side of the torso.
o Pinch the skinfold just above the crest, slightly forward and downward, following the natural fold of the
skin.
o Place the caliper 1 cm below the fingers.
o Wait 2 seconds and record the thickness in mm.

4. Abdomen Skinfold

 Location: Approximately 2 cm to the right side of the navel (belly button).

 Procedure:
o Pinch the skinfold vertically.
o Lift the fold away from the underlying muscle.
o Apply the caliper 1 cm below the fingers holding the fold.
o Wait 2 seconds and take the reading in mm.

5. Thigh Skinfold

 Location: Front of the thigh, midway between the hip (inguinal crease) and the top of the kneecap (patella).
 Procedure:
o Ask the person to stand with weight evenly distributed.
o Pinch the skinfold vertically on the front midline of the thigh.
o Hold the fold firmly and place the caliper jaws 1 cm below your fingers.
o After 2 seconds, record the measurement in mm.

5….Somatotype Classification
1. Hippocrates’ Classification (Ancient Greek Physician)

 Hippocrates first observed the relationship between body types and temperament.
 He classified people into four temperaments related to body build:
o Sanguine: Cheerful, active, with a robust and muscular body.
o Choleric: Ambitious, energetic, with a lean and strong build.
o Melancholic: Thoughtful, reserved, with a thin and delicate body.
o Phlegmatic: Calm, peaceful, with a soft and overweight body.
 This early idea linked body shape to personality traits.

2. Ernest Kretschmer’s Classification (1920s)

 Kretschmer proposed a connection between body types and personality (constitutional psychology).
  Three main somatotypes:
1. Asthenic (Leptosomic):
 Thin, fragile, narrow shoulders and chest.
 Personality: Introverted, sensitive, and thoughtful.
2. Athletic:
 Muscular, well-built, broad shoulders and chest.
 Personality: Energetic, courageous, and adventurous.
3. Pyknic:
 Rounded body, soft and fat, with wide hips and shoulders.
 Personality: Sociable, relaxed, and easy-going.

3. William Herbert Sheldon’s Classification (1940s)

 Sheldon developed a detailed somatotype system based on three body components: Endomorphy,
Mesomorphy, and Ectomorphy.
 Each person has a combination of these three, rated on a scale (1 to 7).

Somatotype Body Characteristics Traits

Endomorph Round, soft body, high fat, wide waist and hips. Relaxed, sociable, comfortable
Mesomorph Muscular, strong bones, broad shoulders, narrow waist. Active, courageous, assertive
Ectomorph Thin, lean, narrow shoulders and hips, little fat. Introverted, thoughtful, sensitive

6….Measurement of Health-Related Fitness Components

1. Cardiorespiratory Endurance

 What it is: The ability of heart and lungs to supply oxygen during sustained physical activity.
 Common Tests:
o 12-minute run/walk test (Cooper Test): Distance covered in 12 minutes is measured.
o Step Test: Measures heart rate recovery after stepping exercise.
o VO2 Max Test: Laboratory measurement of maximal oxygen uptake.

2. Muscular Strength

 What it is: The maximum force a muscle or muscle group can exert.
 Common Tests:
o Handgrip Strength Test: Using a dynamometer to measure grip strength.
o 1 Repetition Maximum (1RM): The maximum weight lifted once in exercises like bench press or squat.

3. Muscular Endurance

 What it is: The ability of muscles to perform repeated contractions over time.
 Common Tests:
o Push-up Test: Number of push-ups performed without rest.
o Curl-up (Sit-up) Test: Number of curl-ups done in a set time.

4. Flexibility

 What it is: The range of motion available at a joint.

 Common Tests:
o Sit and Reach Test: Measures hamstring and lower back flexibility.
o Goniometer Measurement: Measures joint angle precisely.

5. Body Composition

 What it is: Proportion of fat and non-fat mass in the body.

 Common Tests:
o Body Mass Index (BMI): Weight to height ratio.
 o Skinfold Measurements: Using calipers to estimate body fat percentage.
o Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA): Estimates fat by measuring electrical resistance.

7….Fitness Tests with Procedures, Tools, and Scoring

1. Harvard Step Test

 Purpose: Measures cardiorespiratory endurance (aerobic fitness).

 Tools Required: Step platform (41.3 cm high for males, 33 cm for females), stopwatch, metronome (optional).
 Procedure:
1. Step up and down on the platform at a rate of 30 steps per minute (1 step every 2 seconds) for 5 minutes
or until exhaustion.
2. If the subject cannot continue before 5 minutes, test is stopped.
3. Immediately after exercise, record pulse for 1-1.5 minutes in 3 separate 30-second intervals at 1, 2, and 3
minutes post-exercise.
 Scoring:

Fitness Index=(100* test duration in seconds)/(2*sum of heartbeats in recovery periods)

Interpretation:

o 90 = Excellent
o 80–89 = Good
o 55–79 = Average
o <55 = Poor

2. Push-ups Test

 Purpose: Measures upper body muscular endurance.

 Tools Required: None.
 Procedure:
1. Begin in standard push-up position (hands shoulder-width apart, body straight).
2. Perform as many full push-ups as possible without rest.
3. Count only push-ups where the chest touches near the ground and elbows fully extend on the way up.
 Scoring: Number of correct push-ups done continuously.

3. Modified Push-ups

 Purpose: Alternative for beginners or those unable to do standard push-ups, also measures upper body
endurance.
 Tools Required: None.
 Procedure:
1. Start in a modified push-up position with knees on the ground instead of toes.
2. Perform push-ups similar to standard form but knees stay on floor.
3. Count total number done without rest.

4. Partial Curl-ups (Sit-ups)

 Purpose: Measures abdominal muscular endurance.

 Tools Required: Mat, stopwatch.
 Procedure:
1. Lie on back with knees bent at 90°, feet flat on floor.
2. Hands placed at sides or crossed over chest.
3. Curl up to raise shoulders off the mat about 30 degrees (partial sit-up).
4. Perform as many curl-ups as possible in a set time (e.g., 1 minute) or until fatigue.
 Scoring: Total number completed correctly.

5. Sit and Reach Test

  Purpose: Measures flexibility of lower back and hamstrings.
 Tools Required: Sit and reach box or a flat surface with a ruler/yardstick.
 Procedure:
1. Sit on the floor with legs fully extended and feet flat against the sit and reach box.
2. Slowly reach forward as far as possible without bending knees.
3. Hold the furthest position for 1-2 seconds.
 Scoring: Distance reached in centimetres or inches beyond the toes (can be negative if cannot reach toes).

6. Body Mass Index (BMI)

 Purpose: Measures body composition based on weight and height.

 Tools Required: Weighing scale, measuring tape or stadiometer.
 Procedure:
1. Measure weight in kilograms (kg).
2. Measure height in meters (m).
3. Calculate BMI using:

BMI=Weight (kg)/(Height *height in metre)

Interpretation:

o Below 18.5 = Underweight

o 18.5 to 24.9 = Normal
o 25 to 29.9 = Overweight
o 30 and above = Obese

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