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Acknowledgements


A number of people were instrumental in the development of both the system and the manuals.

Mr. Elliott Dunlop
Life Skills Coordinator
Windsor Board of Education

Elliott in his position as a coordinator in the Windsor public school system saw the need for a system to assess children and to develop an "OSR" approach to physical education. This initiative rekindled an old dream of the author of EDU-FIT and together we developed a system for use in Ontario Schools

Ms. Jennifer Jakobi
Kinesiology Student
University of Windsor

Jennifer a fourth year kinesiology major (1992) showed a real interest in computer applications in our field. Through her efforts the manual for EDU-FIT was laid out and then developed. She persisted through many, many draft documents before the final version hit the press.

Mr. Malcolm Webster
Audio Visual Technician
University of Windsor

In conjunction with Jennifer "Mal" produced video tape shots of all tests for the manual. He showed a keen interest in the project and was of great assistance in the technical aspects of the pictorial inserts. We all learned a lot about the "frame grabber" used to insert the pictures into the manual.

Mr. John Purcell
W.D. Lowe High School
Windsor Board of Education

A physical education specialist at W.D. Lowe Secondary School John volunteered to test, retest, and put up with the myriad of changes, rewites, reconfigurations, etc. without dying of complete frustration. He even survived the process without a manual, or much technical support.

Mr. Bob Scott
Hugh Beaton Public School
Windsor Board of Education

Bob Scott was instrumental in introducing EDU-FIT to elemetary students. The general lack of equipment certainly was a test for our concepts of what data could be collected. Bob worked closely with our "field testing" group of graduate students in the development of tests which would be feasible throughout the elementary school system. He also volunteered his students as "guinea pigs" for our "off the wall" ideas.

Ms Lisa Reynolds
Ms Iveta Doktor
Mr Jonathan Sabean
Graduate Students
University of Windsor

This group of students worked diligently in developing the best testing procedures, given the school situtation contraints, for the majority of the tests. The debriefing sessions after some of the field testing will be remembered by all of us for a long time. A special thanks to Lisa. She carried out a pilot project on the aerobic tetsts as oxygen uptake predictors with the teachers of Cardinal Carter School in the Essex County Separate School Board.

Ms Kay Hermiston
Principal, Malden Central School
Essex County Board of Education

Kay's counsel and assistance was without doubt the driving force behind EDU-FIT. I can honestly say without her encouragement this project would still be "almost" finished! In addition her insights into the actual workings in individual schools within Boards was invaluable

Mr Ross Hermiston
St Lawrence Community College
Kingston

It was at Ross's insistance that "PROTRAK" was born. His constant badgering about parents and their desire to know more about the growth and development of their children forced me into developing a system which could be used by a family.

To one and all a heart felt thanks. Now all we have to do is convince others that this is the way to "fly" in the mid '90's. I suppose that is my task and I take on the challenge willingly.

Ray Hermiston, Ph.D.
Professor of Kinesiology
University of Windsor
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Introduction


Throughout the remainder of this manual the school version EDU-FIT and the family version PROTRAK are identical .... except for the identification numbers, and the obvious class numbers used in the school version. The remainder of the system is completely interchangeable. Data from PROTRAK could be used in EDU-FIT and visa-versa. Please do not be confused by the single terms schools and family. In fact I will use schools as often as I can. If you are reading this from a family point of view just substitute PROTRAK for EDU-FIT and family for school.
The primary goal of assessing the physical fitness and growth and development patterns of youth in schools should not be to determine athletic ability but rather to focus on health related fitness. It is important that fitness testing encourage lifelong habits in order to enhance cardiorespiratory competence and health. The encouragement of such activities in children will have a long term effect upon their well being. Childrens' physical fitness levels have deteriorated over the past decade. In 1985 a School Fitness Survey conveyed alarming information regarding the fitness levels of North American youth. The study examined nearly 19,000 students ages 6 to 17, and found their fitness levels had not improved over those fitness levels a decade earlier. The study concluded that parental fitness levels are often higher than their childrens', for measures of strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance(Payne, Hahn '92).

Schools represent an ideal environment for influencing health and fitness related activity in both children and teenagers. Proper fitness testing in schools; such as the evaluation techniques of the EDU-FIT system, will enable and facilitate the school system and teachers within the system to promote, motivate, develop, and emphasize the joy and benefits of fitness and physical exercise.

The family approach to fitness and growth and development is perhaps slightly different. The height and weight marks on the back of the "bathroom door" have always been an indication of parental interest in their childrens' growth patterns. However the loss of the data when one moves is a travisty. How tall was I when I was 5 Mom? When did first weigh 50 kilos Dad? How big around was my waist when I left elementary school and when I left high school? These kinds of questions and answers are fundamental to the understanding of growth and development. EDU-FIT and PROTRAK allow the recording of these facts for use in the future. Ask yourself the question: "Would I like to have a 25 year record of all of my family members fitness, growth and development facts? If the answer is yes then the family version PROTRAK is for you.
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The concept
Before continuing there is one basic fact that must be completely understood by the users of both EDU-FIT and PROTRAK. The data involved may be collected over 10 to 50 years on each individual. It also follows that the data collection could be done by many different people. It is absolutely imperative that the data be recorded in a professional manner, and that the numbers recorded are CORRECT. It is extremely difficult to explain a 3 centimetre loss in height in a single year. Perhaps families should turn to fitness professionals for testing. Perhaps schools, Y's, or fitness clubs would assist you in the process. Think about the consequences of inaccurate data! It is a huge problem in longitudinal studies!

Hence each user group be it family or school should, and in fact must, hold seminars for the people doing the testing outlining the exact procedures for each test. It would probably faciliate the process for example if the elementary teachers worked closely with their high school counterparts to ensure that the same techniques, where applicable, are continued in the secondary panel.

The test batteries in this evaluation of students is very extensive and the system MUST NOT be used to develop fitness grades or family comparisons. The child who may only be able to do one pushup knows that he/she is not very good. Does that same child need the fact rammed down their throat? I think not. The child needs help .... wise and judicious help ... not critisism! Since the entire testing process requires a great deal of time to complete, the entire year should be used to complete the tests. It is better to, for example, measure height and weight on a child's birthday than to measure it in a different time period every year. Think about yearly comparisons over a 10 year period.

Finally, this process of EDU-FIT/PROTRAK is designed to indicate to each individual exactly how they are progressing. How often do you hear parents say "Oh! my children are so different John is ..... but Jane is.... Think about it they are different physically as well. They should not be compared to their "BIG" brother or sister. Let the kids grow and develop on their own within their own bodies and use EDU-FIT/PROTRAK to assist you in explaining the myriad of changes that take place throughout their lives.
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Identification numbers


The only significant difference between EDU-FIT and PROTRAK is in the identification number for each individual who is entered into the system. The EDU-FIT protocol asks for a 10 digit number as an indentification tag. The number must be greater than 1000000000. It was thought that by using the unique health number the data would be portable across the province of Ontario. So when a student moved from city A to area B their number would not conflict with the data of any other student in area B. It seems that some parents are reluctant to provide this health number. In that case the school will have to develop a series of student numbers that are unique within a particular school or board. If a student moves and their data are transferred to another school the fact should be passed on that the health numbers were not used. There is no possibility in EDU-FIT of having the data for two students who have the same registration number. One set of data will be lost. As a result all pertinent data of name,sex, birth date and class and school codes must be entered for each student before the process of data collection can begin.

This is not as big a problem for PROTRAK there are only 10 identification numbers and they are assigned to names of family members. Naturally Ross Hermiston Sr. and Ross Hermiston Jr would have to have some distinguishing first name (or second initial) to keep their data straight. Unfortunately the movement between schools and home databases is not possible in the system. Call us if you want to make that data move

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Test Batteries


Over the 35 years I have been involved professionally in the field of fitness I have probably had at least 100 arguments about suitable test batteries. I also am aware of the fact that fitness professionals who read about EDU-FIT will disagree with my selection of tests. So be it. I also have had thousands of arguments about which computer to buy. Like fitness tests there is no answer. Just do it. These tests were selected for certain reasons to do a certain job. There are better tests, there is a better way, but can you use the other tests in a none University setting? Will a grade 4 student be able to do an actual oxygen uptake or a one RM measurement of body strength? All of the following tests are possible in all home and school settings. In a few cases there are optional tests. There is no provision for changing the test battery!
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Muscular endurance and flexibility


Muscular endurance can be defined as the ability of the body to withstand a continuous physical strain for a resonable period of time. Two test batteries have been chosen to evaluate this physical phenomenon.

Likewise two tests have been selected to evaluate flexibility. The measure of flexibility is a misunderstood topic. There are thousands of test procedures available. The choice of the two tests in EDU-FIT/PROTRAK are tests which involve the back. Research shows us that many thousands of people suffer from back problems. These two tests over a period of years may assist an individual in evaluating the loss of flexibility and the onset of possible back problems.
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5 Minute muscular endurance test


The 5 minute muscular endurance test is a challenge to ones cardiovascular system. People who have cardiovascular problems should avoid this test until they have conditioned themselves enough to "survive" the strain!. In fact if you are over 20 you probably should consult a physician. The 5 minute continuous test involves performing, in consecutive non stop order, a set of 7 specific exercises. Each exercise has a set number of seconds for completion. The score is the number completed in the set period of time. One problem with this test is proper form. Remember the concept section? Form and rules of performance are very important.

The 5 minute test consists of the following:
1. Number of pushups in 60 seconds
2. Number of situps in 60 seconds
3. Number of chest raises in 30 seconds
4. Number of double thigh raises in 30 seconds
5. Number of right side leg raises in 30 seconds
6. Number of left side leg raises in 30 seconds
7. Number of sitting tucks in 60 seconds

All procedures are explained and diagrammed in the manuals of EDU-FIT/PROTRAK Return to Table of Contents

Mini muscular endurance test


The mini endurance test consists of the following:
1. Number of pushups no time limit
2. Number of curlups to a maximum of 75 (no time limit)

All procedures are explained and diagrammed in the manuals of EDU-FIT/PROTRAK

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Trunk flexion test


The trunk flexion test is the first test that requires specific equipment to measure the data required. The procedure is outlined in the manual. I'm sure that many of us were measured on this piece of equipment which basically measures the distance one can reach sitting in a position so that the legs are extended in front of ones body and the hands are used to slide a block as far forward as possible as one bends forward. The score is the place where the block comes to rest on the measuring stick. One can make one of these pieces of equipment in a home workshop. They are also available from fitness supply houses.
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Trunk rotation test


The trunk rotation test also requires equipment but it definitely can be made at home. The test presents a problem in consistancy of measurements. It is a relatively easy test to "cheat on" so the concept of good measurements rears its ugly head again

Basically this test measures the body rotation of a person around one's spine. The object is to turn in a vertical position around one's spine to see how far along a measuring tape the person can rotate the spine.
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Anthropometric Measurements


Anthropometric measures are measurements of body dimensions. These probably are the most interesting family oriented measurements. This section replaces the "back of the bathroom door" measurements and adds a number of neat measurements so one can see just how and where one's body is growing and developing. These measurements are all recorded using the metric system (except for weight which can be recorded in pounds). The reason for this choice is twofold. First it is the legal measurement system in Canada and secondly it is more difficult to make mistakes using the metric system than it is using the measures of feet, inches and fractions of inches. The measurements must always be done the same way. Remember that concept.... be consistant.
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Body weight


Body weight appears to be a simple measurement. However, there are some problems. No shoes, not much clothing, not after eating, and the weight must be taken on an accurate scale. The system allows for weight in either pounds or kilograms but please make sure your scale is accurate. One of the most feared measures for young people is recorded body weight. The least one can do is to make sure the measurement is accurate.
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Body height


This measurement is not so devastating to young ladies. But it must be accurate. The manual explains the best scientific way of measuring this data point. All height and girth measurements are to be converted to the metric scale.
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Sitting height ... Why?


Sitting height provides the calculation of some neat body segment data. The measurement of sitting height gives an approximate value for upper body length, which in turn allows the calculation of leg length. This simple measurement then allows one to see how the major segments of one's body grow.
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Arm Span


Likewise the measurement of arm span is relatively easy and requires only a corner of a room, a wall and a measuring tape. The biggest problem is that the arms must be parallel to the shoulders and the tape measure must be directly under the extended arms. Again be consistant!
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Shoulder width


This measurement is extremely difficult to do accurately. The measurement is taken (as shown in the manual) as the distance between the two bones at the ends of the shoulders, not to the extent of the muscle structure, but just to the end of the boney processes of the shoulders themselves. Coupled with arm span one can calculate the average arm length ... another neat body growth aspect.
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Body girth measurements


Girth measurements are taken in anthropometry to evaluate the "thickness" of the body. A good example is an evergreen tree, in the spring it grows a new top. However,during the summer it adds growth around last years top. In other words it gets thicker. So does a growing body so we must take some meaningful girth measurements. These measurements are difficult for two reasons: a) the position of the tape and b) the pressure put on the tape as the measurement is taken. Be careful about both factors. In fact there are tapes available which put constant pressure on the girth being measured. The best and perhaps the easiest measurements of girth are
Chest girth
Waist girth
Hip girth
Thigh girth
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Body composition
One of the most misused measurements in the fitness field is that of body composition. There are literally thousands of equations for body composition developed in all corners of the earth. All of these equations are related through a process called "under water weight" or body density. The problem is that under water weight is an extremely difficult measurement to make on humans. Secondly this under water weight is related to body density which in the first instance was developed from a measily 5 cadavers. Therefore all of these great equations which were developed are not only for specific populations but are also frought with scientific error. All a 16 year old female needs is someone to tell her 22 percent of her body is fat. ANOEREXIA here we come. Be very careful about percent body fat or kilograms of body fat. In fact do not use terms at all .... Use my method of showing body composition it is safer and it is exact!
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Body Fat Measurements
Make sure that you have read the body composition section before continuing in this section.

The most convenient way to estimate fat composition is to take fat fold measures at various sites on the body. If one "pinches" between the index finger and the thumb of the right hand the inside skin of the left forearm one gets what is called a fat fold. Notice that the skin and the fat layer can be pulled away from the muscle tissue under the "fat fold". When these measurements are taken at appropriate "sites" on the surface of the body one gets an estimation of the fat around the suface of the body. These measurements are extremely yechnical in two aspects a) exactly where to take the measurements and b) exactly how to take them. I would not suggest you take these measurements without professional help. Remember ANOEREXIA is not worth it! The equipment to make the measurements (fat calipers) can be purchased. The sites can be seen in the manual but the actual measurements are very difficult.

Let's assume that you have taken the appropriate measures for EDU-FIT. Next year when you do the measurements you will see if any measures increased or if the total of all fat fold measures increased. If so the child has added body fat. Any parent can tell if a child is too fat or too thin. This measure lets you monitor the surface area fat level. Do not relate this to pounds of fat or percent body fat. Also remember the consistancy motto. The same person should do the testing year after year!
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Strength Measurements


There are three type of strength measurements isometric, isotonic, and isokinetic. The latter is extremely expensive and therefore is considered to be the best. Isometric strength is maximal strength used against an immovable object. Trying to push a car etc. The only isometric test in the strength package is that of grip strength for both hands. There is research out there that suggests a strong person usually has strong hands. There is some truth in that statement but it is not completely true. Since strong hands go along with a strong upper body then there is no accounting for leg strength. Nevertheless grip strength was chosen because "little kids" really like to try it. So do big ones! It is easy to test and there are many grip strength machines around, schools, Y's, and fitness clubs all have these machines.

On the other hand isotonic strength is a measure how much weight can be lifted in a particular way. The tests I have chosen here will not suit any "weight lifting buff". Don't forget there are not many of you. Any detailed dynamic strength evaluation takes a lot of time and a lot of equipment. The series of tests chosen are to be done one after the other as a group and should have the appropriate weight to only allow the completion of the maximal number of reps. This may take several trials. Generally the weights are too light for safety reasons. Please be careful with weak and small children. Hurnias are not nice at age 10!
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Grip strength


Right and left grip strength are eveluated on a grip dynomometer and the value should be in kilograms. The manual spells out the procedures to follow.
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Dynamic strength measures


There are 7 tests in this series. The starting weights are in proportion to body weight. They are lower for women than for men. The object in all tests is to complete 17 repititions for men and 15 repititions for women. If there is to be a "good" result the weights should be increased or decreased in a particular set of reps until the child can only do 16 or 17 and NO more reps. This may take several trials. Remember NO hurnias! The manual explains the waiting periods etc.
The dynamic strength test includes:
Arm curls
Bench presses
Lat pull downs
Upright rowing
Quad lifts
Leg curls
Curl ups

Secondary schools Y's and fitness clubs have the necessary equipment.
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Aerobic evaluation


The calculation of oxygen uptake is a fairly standard measure of cardiovascular ability of the body. Generally a test of actual oxygen uptake is an extremely expensive (equipment wise) process. The analysis of expired oxygen and carbon dioxide levels allows the research team to calculate exactly how much oxygen one's body burns in completing a work task. As the task becomes harder and harder the body gets to a point where it can no longer supply enough oxygen to the working muscles. At that point even though the workload may be increased one has reached one's Maximal oxygen uptake. The process is difficult for most people to do and also for the people doing the testing to complete. As a result most people use a less strenuous work test, use less or no equipment, but utilize a formula to predict maximal oxygen uptake. Naturally, nothing is ever as good as the real thing and so it is with predicted oxygen uptake. Remember as in prediction of body fat the equations for prediction are only as good as the data from which they were derived. I have included 3 tests which are submaximal in nature but predict oxygen uptake. I will rate each as I present the tests. I have also inclyded a test of physical work capacity. This is not an oxygen uptake prediction but a prediction of how much work a person can do if their heart rate was 170 beats per minute.
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Aerobic testing procedures
The best test for evaluating maximal oxygen uptake among children in our test battery is the aerobic shuttle run. It consists of a progressively increasing speed shuttle over a 20 metre shuttle course. The only equipment needed is a metronome tape for a tape recorder or a computer software package to beep each minute as the speed is increased. The equation was built using young people and takes into account age, sex, and body weight. The children really like doing the test and all that needs to be recorded is the number of levels of the test that were finished. It is the best predictor in our series.
The second best test (that we chose) was the Canadian Standard Test of Fitness. It is basically a progressive step test to music. Its predictive qualities are not as good as the shuttle run but one gets measures of recovery heart rate and blood pressures (if one has the equipment). This could be an advantage in secondary schools or with older children.
The third test is the very popular 12 minute run. It is not a good predictor of maximal oxygen uptake. In fact its equation makes no allowance for age, weight, or sex. This in my opinion is the weakest of the three tests. Unfortunately it is extremely popular as a testing tool. I am not sure why except... no equipment ... not much problem to administer and many children can do it at one time!
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Physical work capacity evaluation
The pwc 170 test of physical work capacity is a test that was developed using school children in Canada. It is a progressive ergometer test that uses the workload, revolutions completed, and heart rate response to the submaximal work loads.
It requires a lot of equipment but is an excellent test for a student compared to him/herself over a number of years. In all likelihood there are not many schools who will have the necessary equipment but if your system does it is a good test of physical capacity. It does not predict maximal oxygen uptake as the others do.
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Anaerobic evaluations
Anaerobic capacity is the capacity of the body to work at a very high rate for a relatively short period of time. Another way of saying this is to say it is work without much oxygen being burned to produce the necessary energy to do the work. A 25 metre swim underwater is an excellent example of anaerobic work. There are three tests in the test battery to assess one's anaerobic ability. Each test is of a different length in terms of time and therefore each measures perhaps a different component of anaerobic ability. Unfortunately there is some coordination necessary to do all three tests. Therefore in the early years improvemnet could be due to coordination improvement. Keep this in mind when you are evaluating the results over an extended number of years, particularily if you start your evaluations at an early age.
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Vertical jump
The vertical jump is the shortest test and measures explosive power. The manual explains how to stop children from cheating on this test. Also the power of this test is expressed in units of force. The other two tests are time based.
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Anaerobic shuttle run
The anaerobic shuttle run is the next test with respect to length of time to complete. It is a test that has been used by the Canada Fitness Awards and CAHPER for years. It is measured in seconds because it is impossible to change the data into a meaningful force per unit time measurement.
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50 yard sprint
The 50 yard sprint test was left in yards because all kinds of sports teams use a 40 or 50 yard sprint in their evaluation of athletes. It is the longest test and is measured from a running start hence eliminating the coordination necessary in the starting procedure. It too is measured in seconds.
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Coordination 30 second toss
There is only one test of coordination. It is considered to be a hand eye cordination test. I considered that facet of coordination to be extremely important. Sure there are many others one might include but the test battery is very extensive now. The test is a simple wall toss of tennis balls with alternate hand catches. The score is the completed number. Again the manual explains the details.
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Lifestyle questionnaire
A lifestyle questionnaire was added to the package of tests to allow the collection of related health and activity data. In the school setting this questionnaire could certainly lead to some interesting "health" classes after lets say 5 years of data collection grade 7 to grade 11!
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Eating habits
The eating habits section outlines (in the week it is taken) what the habits of the child are with respect to food. Research seems to indicate that we generally eat the same way day after day (except for weekends) so evaluation of:
Breakfast
Lunch
Supper
Number of snacks
would seem to cover the waterfront.
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General evaluations


General evaluations cover
Sleep/night
Cigarettes/day
Alcohol/week.
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Rating of activity levels
Physical activity is a crucial part of growth. This section allows for the recording of in class activity, in school activity, between school activity, and after school activity. The recording is in times per week.

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Subjective evaluation
FINALLY there is a chance for the child to rate his/her health level as he/she compares him/herself to others of the same age. The parent/guardian, teacher, or whomever also get to do a rating between "very good" and "poor"
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