Physical fitness test (SAI khelo India test)

Overview
Fitness defines the ability to perform physical activity, and encompasses a wide range of
abilities. Each activity and sports requires a specific set of skills, and so being fit for an activity
or a sport does not necessarily make you fit for another.

Fitness is generally divided into specific fitness categories or components, and each can be
tested and trained individually. The following pages will help you do the Fitness Test
Administration in your school more effectively using Khelo India Fitness Assessment App
and viewing the School Dashboard on School Interface.

BATTERY OF TESTS
AGE GROUP 5-8 YEARS | CLASS 1 to 3

At Primary class 1-3, children should acquire Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) leaving
the learning of specific physical activities to later stages. FMS provide the building blocks for
many physical activities, such as playing games, dance, and sport. Locomotor, Manipulative
& Body Management abilities are key to success in most sports and physical activities.
Abilities of children in class 1-3 which need to be measured and tracked are

1. Body Composition (BMI)

2. Coordination (Plate Tapping)

3. Balance (Flamingo Balance)

Which are important for controlling the body in various situations.

AGE GROUP: 9-18+ YEARS | CLASS 4 to 12

For Class 4 to 12, it is important for students to have an overall physical fitness. The following
Components are to be considered in Physical Health and Fitness Profile:

1. Body Composition (BMI)

2. Strength

a. Abdominal (Partial Curl-up)

b. Muscular Endurance (Push Ups for Boys, Modified Push Ups for Girls)

3. Flexibility (Sit and Reach Test)

4. Cardiovascular Endurance (600 Meter Run/Walk)

5. Speed (50 mt. Dash)

Test Descriptions for Children
Body Mass Index

What does it measure: Body Composition refers primarily to the distribution of muscle and fat in the body.
Body size such as height, lengths and girths are also grouped under this component.

The test performed is Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated from body Weight (W) and
height(H). BMI = W / (H x H), where W = body weight in kilograms and H = height in meters. The
higher the score usually indicating higher levels of body fat.

Infrastructure/Equipment
Measuring Height Accurately
Required:
Remove the participant’s shoes, bulky clothing, and hair ornaments, Flat, Clean surface, Weighing
and unbraid hair that interferes with the measurement.
Machine, Stadiometer/Measuring
Take the height measurement on flooring that is not carpeted and Tape pasted on a wall
against a flat surface such as a wall with no molding.
Scoring:
Have the participant stand with feet flat, together, and back against
Height recorded in cm and mm.
the wall. Make sure legs are straight, arms are at sides, and shoulders
are level. Weight will be recorded in kilogram
(kg) and grams (gms).
Make sure the participant is looking straight ahead and that the line
of sight is parallel with the floor. Record the weight to the nearest
decimal fraction (for example,
Take the measurement while the participant stands with head,
25.1 kilograms).
shoulders, buttocks, and heels touching the flat surface (wall). (See
illustration.) Depending on the overall body shape of the participant, Accurately record the height to the
all points may not touch the wall. nearest 0.1 centimeter.
Use a flat headpiece to form a right angle with the wall and lower
the headpiece until it firmly touches the crown of the head.
Make sure the measurer's eyes are at the same level as the
headpiece.

Lightly mark where the bottom of the headpiece meets the wall.
Then, use a metal tape to measure from the base on the floor to the
marked measurement on the wall to get the height measurement.

Accurately record the height to the nearest 0.1 centimeter.

Measuring Weight Accurately

Use a digital scale. Avoid using bathroom scales that are spring-
loaded. Place the scale on firm flooring (such as tile or wood) rather
than carpet.

Have the participant remove shoes and heavy clothing, such as

sweaters.

Have the participant stand with both feet in the center of the scale.

Record the weight to the nearest decimal fraction (for example, 25.1
kilograms).
Plate Tapping Test
What does it measure:
Tests speed and coordination of limb movement

How to Perform: Infrastructure/Equipment Required:

Table (adjustable height), 2 yellow discs (20cm
If possible, the table height should be adjusted so diameter), rectangle (30 x 20 cm), stopwatch
that the subject is standing comfortably in front of
the discs. The two yellow discs are placed with their
centers 60 cm apart on the table. The rectangle is Scoring:
placed equidistant between both discs. The time taken to complete 25 cycles is recorded

The non-preferred hand is placed on the rectangle.

The subject moves the preferred hand back and
forth between the discs over the hand in the middle
as quickly as possible.

This action is repeated for 25 full cycles (50 taps).

Administrative Suggestion:
Participants should be encouraged to stand in a balanced posture, feet apart to shoulder width. Results
are usually better if the participant can maintain constant pace during most of the run.
Flamingo Balance Test

What does it measure:

Ability to balance successfully on a single leg. This single leg balance test assesses the strength of the leg,
pelvic, and trunk muscle as well as Static balance.

How to Perform: Infrastructure/Equipment Required:

Stand on the beam. Keep balance by holding the Non Slippery even surface, Stopwatch, can be done
instructor's hand (if required to start). on just standing on beam.
Scoring:
While balancing on the preferred leg, the free leg is
The total number of falls or loss of balance in 60
flexed at the knee and the foot of this leg held close
seconds of balancing is recorded.
to the buttocks.
If there are more than 15 falls in the first 30
seconds, the test is terminated.
Start the watch as the instructor lets go of the
participant/subject.

Pause the stopwatch each time the subject loses

balance (either by falling off the beam or letting
goes of the foot being held).

Resume over, again timing until they lose balance.

Count the number of falls in 60 seconds of
balancing.

If there are more than 15 falls in the first 30 seconds,

the test is terminated.

Administrative Suggestion:
Participants should be encouraged to eyes focused on stationary object straight ahead.
Partial Curl Up (30 seconds)

What does it measure:

The curl up test measures abdominal muscular strength and endurance of the abdominals and hip- Flexors,
important in back support and core stability.

How to Perform: Infrastructure/Equipment Required:

Flat clean cushioned surface with two parallel strips
The subject lies on a cushioned, flat, clean surface (6 inches apart), Stopwatch, Recording sheets, Pen
with knees flexed, usually at 90 degrees, with hands
straight on the sides (palms facing downwards)
closer to the ground, parallel to the body. Scoring:
Record the maximum number of Curl ups in a certain
The subject raises the trunk in a smooth motion, time period 30 seconds.
keeping the arms in position, curling up the desired
amount (at least 6 inches above/along the ground
towards the parallel strip).

The trunk is lowered back to the floor so that the

shoulder blades or upper back touch the floor.

Administrative Suggestion:
Participants should be encouraged to keep normal breathing rate. Results are usually better if the
participant can maintain constant pace during the activity.

Push Ups (Boys)/Modified Push Ups (Girls)

What does it measure:
Upper body strength endurance, and trunk stability.

How to Perform: Infrastructure/Equipment Required: Flat

A standard push up begins with the hands and toes clean cushioned surface/Gym mat
touching the floor, the body and legs in a straight line,
feet slightly apart, the arms at shoulder width apart,
extended and at a right angles to the body.
Scoring:
Keeping the back and knees straight, the subject
Record the number of correctly completed push-
lowers the body to a predetermined point, to touch
some other object, or until there is a 90-degree angle ups.
at the elbows, then returns back to the starting
position with the arms extended.

This action is repeated, and test continues until

exhaustion, or until they can do no more in rhythm or
have reached the target number of push-ups.

For Girls: push-up technique is with the knees resting

on the ground.

Administrative Suggestion:
Participants should be encouraged to emphasis to keep the back straight. Results are usually better if the
participant can maintain constant pace during the activity.
Sit and Reach
What does it measure:
Common measure of flexibility, and specifically measures the flexibility of the lower back and
hamstring muscles. This test is important as because tightness in this area is implicated in lumbar
lordosis, forward pelvic tilt and lower back pain
How to Perform: Infrastructure/Equipment Required:
This test involves sitting on the floor with legs Sit and Reach box with the following dimensions:
stretched out straight ahead. Shoes should be 12" x 12" (sides) 12" x 10" (front and back) 12" x
removed. The soles of the feet are placed flat 21" (top) Inscribe the top panel with centimeter/mm
against the Sit and Reach box. Both knees should gradations. It is crucial that the vertical plane against
be locked and pressed flat to the floor - the tester which the subject's feet will be placed is exactly at
may assist by holding them down.
the 23 cm mark. Flat clean cushioned surface/Gym
Mats
With the palms facing downwards, and the hands
on top of each other, the subject reaches forward Scoring:
along the measuring line as far as possible. The score is recorded (difference between initial
position and final position), in cm and mm, as the
distance reached by the hand.
 Ensure that the hands remain at the same level, not
one reaching further forward than the other. After
some practice reaches, the subject reaches out and
holds that position for at one-two seconds while
the distance is recorded. Make sure there are no
jerky movements.

Administrative Suggestion:
Proper warm-up and static stretching of the lower back and posterior thighs is very important for this test.
A partner placing his/her hands lightly across knees can prevent the flexing of knees. Keep the hands over
each other (fish pose). Besides in order to prevent the test apparatus from sliding away from the
participants during the test, it should be placed against a wall or a similar immovable object.

The test trial is repeated if:

(i) The hands reach out unevenly or (ii) The knees are flexed at the time of doing the test.
600 Mtr Run/Walk
What does it measure:
Cardiovascular Fitness/Cardiovascular Endurance

How to Perform: Infrastructure/Equipment Required: Stopwatch,

Participants are instructed to run 600 mts. in the whistle, marker cone, lime powder, measuring tape,
fastest possible pace. 200 or 400 mts with 1.22 mt (minimum 1 mt) width
preferably on a flat and even playground with a
The participants begin on signal, “ready, start” as marking of starting and finish line.
they cross the finish line elapsed time should be
announced to the participants. Scoring:
Time taken for completion (Run or Walk) in min, sec,
Walking is permitted but the objective is to cover mm
the distance in the shortest possible time.

Administrative Suggestion:
Participants should be encouraged to practice running with emphasis placed on the concept of pace.
Results are usually better if the participant can maintain constant pace during most of the run and
perhaps using a strong closing effort.
50 Mtr Dash (Standing Start)
What does it measure:
Determines acceleration and speed

How to Perform: Infrastructure/Equipment Required:

A thorough warm up should be given, including Measuring tape or marked track, stopwatch, cone
some practice starts and accelerations. markers, flat and clear surface of at least 60 meters.

Start from a stationary position, with one foot in Scoring:

front of the other. The front foot must be on or Time taken for completion
behind the starting line. This starting position
should be static (dead start).

The tester should provide hints for maximizing

speed (such as keeping low, driving hard with the
arms and legs) and encouraged to continue running
hard through the finish line.

Administrative Suggestion:
Participants should be encouraged to practice running with emphasis placed on the concept of pace.
Results are usually better if the participant can maintain constant pace during most of the run and perhaps
using a strong closing effort.

Do’s and Dont’s

Preparing for Assessments
To participate in Physical Fitness Assessments, some good preparation can go a long way.

1. It is recommended that the assessments are done twice a year (for Term I and
Term II in each academic year). The minimum gap between tests should be 4
months.
2. Find out what is required. Most fitness tests will require a combination of
evaluations to assess speed, endurance/stamina, strength, flexibility, and body
composition. Read about these tests and plan for the same.
3. Determine the current abilities. Pretend you are taking their test today and perform
each exercise. Note how close they came to the goal and how much further they
need to go.
4. Calculate the time you have to prepare. You need adequate time to prepare for the
test.
 5. Participants must pace themselves. Maintaining a constant tempo is crucial for
completing long and repetitive exercises, like Curl-ups, Push-ups and 600 mt
run/walk. If you work too fast at the beginning of the exercise, you may become
fatigued quickly. It is more effective to maintain a steady pace throughout.
6. Participants should be encouraged to practice for few weeks with emphasis placed
on the concept of pace. Results are usually better if the participant can maintain
consistency in performance during this practice period.

Before a Test

Get appropriate clothing

1. Participant to wear comfortable clothes with sports shoes.

a. In case shoes are not available, he/she can run bare-feet. He/she needs to
take precaution so that the foot doesn’t get hurt with pointed objects in the
playingfields. b. Avoid leather shoes.
2. Get clothes that are comfortable to wear and run or bend (eg. T-shirt and
comfortable fitting trousers/half pants).
3. Wearing socks that will keep the feet dry.

Safety Measures

1. If you plan to do for a group of people, decide Date/Time when you want to do
the test.
2. Ensure that the play field is flat and clear from stones/pointed objects that may
injurechildren.
3. Ensure that the equipment required for the tests are available at the place where
you want to do the tests.
4. Have a First Aid Box.
Medical:

No participant with known medical problems, are allowed to take part in the test.
Test Resource Required
Body Composition (BMI) 1 test administrator, 1 recorder
Coordination (Plate Tapping Test) 1 test administrator, 1 recorder
Balance (Flamingo Balance Test) 1 test administrator, 1 recorder
Flexibility (Sit and Reach Test) 1 test administrator, 1 recorder
Strength - Core (Partial Curl-up) 1 test administrator, 1 recorder
Muscular Endurance (Push Ups for Boys, 1 test administrator, 1 recorder
Modified Push Ups for Girls)
Cardiovascular Endurance (600 Mtr Run/Walk) 1 person at start, 1 person for each lane at finish
Speed (50 Mtr. Dash) 1 person at start, 1 person for each lane at finish
Additional Volunteers: 1 per 20 participants, if you are doing for a larger group.