The Range of Fitness Tests that are Suitable for Two Contrasting Clients
Cardiac Patient
1. Body Composition (skinfold test). You would perform this test to
see if your client has the correct body weight and composition.
Beneath the skin is a layer of subcutaneous fat, and the
percentage of total body fat can be measured by taking the
'skinfold' at selected points on the body with a pair of
callipers.
2. Blood Pressure test. Normal systolic blood pressure in an adult
varies between 110 and 140 mm Hg, and diastolic pressure varies
between 60 and 90 mm Hg. You would use this test to see if your
client is within these limits as hypertension is dangerous. As
blood flows through the artery, it can be heard through a
stethoscope placed on the skin over the artery. Blood pressure is
recorded as two measurements.
3. Cholesterol test. A cholesterol test measures the amount of
cholesterol and triglycerides in serum (part of the blood). Simply
Blood is drawn from a vein and anaylsed. This test is often
performed to evaluate risks for heart disease. Your Choloesterol
is measure in terms of mg/dl. A value of less than 200 mg/dL is
desirable, placing you at less risk for heart disease. Levels over
240 mg/dL may put you at almost twice the risk of heart disease as
someone with a level less than 200 mg/dL.
4. ECG Test. Small metal electrodes are stuck onto your arms, legs
and chest. Wires from the electrodes are connected to a ECG
machine. The machine detects and amplifies the electrical impulses