Laboratory and Field Techniques for Measuring Performance

As a scientist, coach, athlete, or other fitness-type professional, knowledge of tests to measure specific physiologic characteristics that may ultimately contribute to performance in a sport or event is imperative. Baseline measurements of these factors influencing performance are critical for many different reasons. First, it is difficult to get to a predetermined end point if the baseline is unknown. Second, these specific physiologic characteristic, once measured, can be evaluated and used as a guide to develop appropriate training strategies for continued improvement. As such, this chapter explores and details the most widely used laboratory and field techniques used to measure human performance. Performance can be thought of as the way an individual or something functions. There are many levels of performance such as poor, average, or elite. Many times, performance is measured by the outcome of the game or event with wins and losses. So what determines an athlete’s ability to perform, or more importantly, excel at his or her sport? Of particular interest in this chapter are the physiologic components that comprise a portion of sport performance. Technical skill and tactical awareness are not considered here but are extremely important to overall sport performance. Certainly, genetic endowment is at the top of the list of physiologic parameters that affect sport performance. As has often been said, we must choose our parents wisely and realize that genetic predisposition to exercise performance is uncontrollable. Along with genetics, the overall health and nutritional status of an athlete can affect their performance. These factors of health and nutritional status are controllable and must be optimized. Another factor and arguably the most recognized influential and controllable component of performance is training. A tremendous amount of scientific study along with trial and error have produced increasingly better performances across the athletic spectrum through the improvement of training programs. A cornerstone to these improved training programs is the ability to monitor an athlete’s progress. This monitoring can be achieved by properly selecting and administering specific laboratory and field tests based on sport-specific physiologic demands.