Chapter 1: Tests, Data Analysis, and Conclusions

Matt Rhea, PhD, and Mark Peterson, PhD

Screening Tests

Data Evaluation and Statistical Analysis

Normalizing of Fitness Data

Tracking Data Over Time

Summary

Chapter 2: Body Composition

Nick Ratamess, PhD

Sport Performance and Body Composition

Body Composition Measurement

Measuring Height, Body Weight, and Body Mass Index

Body Fat Standards

Comparison of Body Composition Techniques

Summary

Chapter 3: Heart Rate and Blood Pressure

Dan Drury, DPE

Heart Rate Control

Exercise Intensity and Heart Rate

Sport Performance and Heart Rate

Heart Rate Measurement

Blood Pressure

Summary

Chapter 4: Metabolic Rate

Wayne Miller, PhD, EMT

Components of Energy Expenditure

Sport Performance and Metabolic Rate

Measurement of Energy Expenditure

Prediction of Energy Expenditure

Estimation of 24-hour and Physical Activity Energy Expenditure

Relevance and Applications for Metabolic Testing

Summary

Chapter 5: Aerobic Power

Jonathan Anning, PhD

Regression Equation Variables

Maximal Exercise Testing Methods

Submaximal Exercise Testing Methods

Regression Equation Calculations

Summary

Chapter 6: Lactate Threshold

Dave Morris, PhD

Energy Pathways and Lactate Metabolism

Sport Performance and Lactate Threshold

Performing a Lactate Threshold Test

Maximal Lactate Steady State

Using Lactate Threshold Data

Summary

Chapter 7: Muscular Strength

Gavin Moir, PhD

Definition of Muscular Strength

Factors Affecting Muscular Force Production

Sports Performance and Muscular Strength

Methods of Measurement

Field Tests for Muscular Strength

Predicting 1RM Values from Multiple Repetitions

Laboratory Tests for Maximal Muscular Strength

Isokinetic Strength Testing

Summary

Chapter 8: Muscular Endurance

Gavin Moir, PhD

Definition of Muscular Endurance

Field Tests for Muscular Endurance

Laboratory Tests for Muscular Endurance

Summary

Chapter 9: Power

Mark D. Peterson, PhD

Operationalizing Power

Mechanisms of Power Production and Expression

Types and Factors of Power

Sport Performance and Power

Tests for Power

Lower Body Tests

Upper Body Tests

Warm-Up and Postactivation Potentiation (PAP): A Special Consideration for Testing Power

Summary

Chapter 10: Speed and Agility

N. Travis Triplett, PhD

Speed

Agility

Sport Performance and Speed and Agility

Test Selection

Methods of Measurement

Summary

Chapter 11: Mobility

Sean P. Flanagan, PhD

Fundamental Concepts of Mobility

Sport Performance and Mobility

Mobility Testing

Range of Motion Tests

Interpretation of Results

Comparing Mobility Measurement Methods

Summary

Chapter 12: Balance and Stability

Sean P. Flanagan, PhD

Body Mechanics

Control Theory

Balance and Stability Tests

Sport Performance and Balance and Stability

Measuring Balance and Stability

Interpreting the Results

Founded in 1978, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international nonprofit educational association with members in more than 56 countries. Drawing on its vast network of members, the NSCA develops and presents the most advanced information regarding strength training and conditioning practices, injury prevention, and research findings.

Unlike any other organization, the NSCA brings together a diverse group of professionals from the sport science, athletic, allied health, and fitness industries. By working to find practical applications for new research findings in the strength and conditioning field, the association fosters the development of strength training and conditioning as a discipline and as a profession.

Todd A. Miller, PhD, is an associate professor of exercise science at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services in Washington DC, where he is responsible for the development and oversight of the master's degree concentration in strength and conditioning. He has degrees in exercise physiology from Penn State and Texas A&M and currently studies the role of interactive video gaming as a means of increasing physical activity in children.