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NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments

$59.00 USD

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Book
$59.00 USD

ISBN: 9780736083683

©2012

Page Count: 368


NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments offers strength and conditioning professionals a one-stop resource for the best research-supported fitness and performance measures available. Created by top experts in the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), this comprehensive text offers extensive information on which factors matter and how to evaluate them as accurately and easily as possible. Editor Todd Miller and an authoritative team of contributors have compiled an exceptional reference and valuable tool for practicing professionals and an indispensable educational resource for students.

NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments presents the latest research from respected scientists and practitioners in exercise testing and assessment. The text begins with an introduction to testing, data analysis, and formulating conclusions. It then features a by-chapter presentation of tests and assessments for body composition, heart rate and blood pressure, metabolic rate, aerobic power, lactate threshold, muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, speed and agility, mobility, and balance and stability. Using descriptions of multiple test options for each key fitness component, readers will learn to choose from a range of alternatives to meet the needs of their athletes, reach training objectives, choose from available equipment, and work within budgets.

Each chapter provides a summary detailing the key testing and assessment information for each fitness component, the equipment needed for performing the tests, step-by-step instructions, normative data for the tests, and multiple test options per conditioning component. Insights into the applications of testing for certain fitness components are also presented:

• The value of body composition assessments in determining health and fitness levels for competitive athletes as well as individuals across the life span

• How an understanding of 24-hour energy expenditure can be useful in structuring a complete diet and exercise plan for weight loss, gain, or maintenance

• How to select a maximal or submaximal aerobic power test that is specific to the demands of a client’s or athlete’s sport

• Discussion of the mechanical and physiological factors shown to influence the expression of muscular strength

• An examination of the relevant factors influencing power production and explosive movement capacity

• Differences between mobility and flexibility and a discussion of the acute versus chronic effects of static stretching

• Theories and concepts of balance and stability, their effects on performance, and categories of testing for balance and stability

NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments also includes NSCA-approved testing protocols, extensive references to current research, and applications for the testing of conditioning components. Information is presented in an accessible manner to help explain the findings of both researchers and practitioners so that readers can select the most effective and efficient approach for athlete and client assessments.

Properly conducted tests and skillful assessment of data enable fitness professionals to develop individualized training programs based on their clients’ or athletes’ physiological and functional capacities. Credible,, current, and complete, NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments provides a clear understanding of the test selection process, how to implement appropriate data collection, and how to analyze data to make appropriate training decisions that will help athletes and clients achieve their performance goals.

NSCA’s Guide to Tests and Assessments is part of the Science of Strength and Conditioning series. Developed with the expertise of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), this series of texts provides the guidelines for converting scientific research into practical application. The series covers topics such as tests and assessments, program design, and nutrition.

Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education course and exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes all the course materials and exam.

Audience

A reference for strength and conditioning professionals, athletic trainers, and personal trainers. Also a text and reference for students taking courses in strength and conditioning or allied fields.

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.

“This book takes an aggressive, holistic approach to the longstanding profession of strength and conditioning. The authors make a first-rate effort to move the profession of strength and conditioning forward into a new realm of expertise as professionals in the business of getting athletes to perform beyond their own expectations.”

-- Doody’s Book Review

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NSCA -National Strength & Conditioning Association,Todd Miller

NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments

$59.00 USD

NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments offers strength and conditioning professionals a one-stop resource for the best research-supported fitness and performance measures available. Created by top experts in the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), this comprehensive text offers extensive information on which factors matter and how to evaluate them as accurately and easily as possible. Editor Todd Miller and an authoritative team of contributors have compiled an exceptional reference and valuable tool for practicing professionals and an indispensable educational resource for students.

NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments presents the latest research from respected scientists and practitioners in exercise testing and assessment. The text begins with an introduction to testing, data analysis, and formulating conclusions. It then features a by-chapter presentation of tests and assessments for body composition, heart rate and blood pressure, metabolic rate, aerobic power, lactate threshold, muscular strength, muscular endurance, power, speed and agility, mobility, and balance and stability. Using descriptions of multiple test options for each key fitness component, readers will learn to choose from a range of alternatives to meet the needs of their athletes, reach training objectives, choose from available equipment, and work within budgets.

Each chapter provides a summary detailing the key testing and assessment information for each fitness component, the equipment needed for performing the tests, step-by-step instructions, normative data for the tests, and multiple test options per conditioning component. Insights into the applications of testing for certain fitness components are also presented:

• The value of body composition assessments in determining health and fitness levels for competitive athletes as well as individuals across the life span

• How an understanding of 24-hour energy expenditure can be useful in structuring a complete diet and exercise plan for weight loss, gain, or maintenance

• How to select a maximal or submaximal aerobic power test that is specific to the demands of a client’s or athlete’s sport

• Discussion of the mechanical and physiological factors shown to influence the expression of muscular strength

• An examination of the relevant factors influencing power production and explosive movement capacity

• Differences between mobility and flexibility and a discussion of the acute versus chronic effects of static stretching

• Theories and concepts of balance and stability, their effects on performance, and categories of testing for balance and stability

NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments also includes NSCA-approved testing protocols, extensive references to current research, and applications for the testing of conditioning components. Information is presented in an accessible manner to help explain the findings of both researchers and practitioners so that readers can select the most effective and efficient approach for athlete and client assessments.

Properly conducted tests and skillful assessment of data enable fitness professionals to develop individualized training programs based on their clients’ or athletes’ physiological and functional capacities. Credible,, current, and complete, NSCA's Guide to Tests and Assessments provides a clear understanding of the test selection process, how to implement appropriate data collection, and how to analyze data to make appropriate training decisions that will help athletes and clients achieve their performance goals.

NSCA’s Guide to Tests and Assessments is part of the Science of Strength and Conditioning series. Developed with the expertise of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), this series of texts provides the guidelines for converting scientific research into practical application. The series covers topics such as tests and assessments, program design, and nutrition.

Earn continuing education credits/units! A continuing education course and exam that uses this book is also available. It may be purchased separately or as part of a package that includes all the course materials and exam.

Audience

A reference for strength and conditioning professionals, athletic trainers, and personal trainers. Also a text and reference for students taking courses in strength and conditioning or allied fields.

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.

“This book takes an aggressive, holistic approach to the longstanding profession of strength and conditioning. The authors make a first-rate effort to move the profession of strength and conditioning forward into a new realm of expertise as professionals in the business of getting athletes to perform beyond their own expectations.”

-- Doody’s Book Review

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