AAHPERD Youth Physical Fitness Test

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AAHPERD Youth Physical Fitness Test

The AAHPER stands for the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. Here’s a brief timeline of its evolution:

  • 1903: AAPE (Association for the Advancement of Physical Education)
  • 1937: APA (American Physical Education Association)
  • 1938: AAHPE (American Association for Health and Physical Education)
  • 1958: AAHPER (American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation)

Development of the AAHPERD Youth Physical Fitness Test

  • 1958: AAHPER Youth Physical Test introduced with seven test items:
    1. Pull-ups (Boys) or Flexed Arm Hang (Girls)
    2. Straight Knee Sit-ups
    3. Shuttle Run
    4. Softball Throw for Distance
    5. Standing Long Jump
    6. 50-Yard Dash
    7. 600-Yard Run/Walk
  • 1974: AAHPERD updated its name to American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
  • 1976: The test was revised by Paul Hunsicker and Guy G. Reiff to include six test items.
  • 1979: Name changed to American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.
  • 2013: AAHPERD became known as SHAPE America.

Test Batteries of the AAHPERD Youth Physical Fitness Test

The test includes six items to measure motor fitness components:

  1. Pull-ups (Boys) or Flexed Arm Hang (Girls)
  2. Straight Knee Sit-ups
  3. Shuttle Run
  4. Standing Long Jump
  5. 50-Yard Dash
  6. 600-Yard Run/Walk, or optional variations:
    • 1 Mile Run/Walk (Ages 10–12)
    • 1.5 Mile Run/Walk (Ages 13+)
    • 9-Minute Run/Walk (Ages 10–12)
    • 12-Minute Run/Walk (Ages 13+)

Test Item Details of the AAHPERD Youth Physical Fitness Test

1. Pull-ups (Boys)

  • Objective: To measure endurance and strength of arm and shoulder muscles.
  • Procedure:
    • Hang from a horizontal bar with arms fully extended.
    • Pull up until the chin is above the bar.
    • Lower back to full extension.
  • Scoring: Maximum number of pull-ups completed.

2. Flexed Arm Hang (Girls)

  • Objective: To measure the endurance and strength of Arm and Shoulder Muscles.
  • Procedure:
    • Hang with chin above the bar.
    • Maintain position as long as possible.
  • Scoring: Time held in the correct position.

3. Straight Knee Sit-ups

  • Objective: To measure abdominal and hip endurance.
  • Procedure:
    • Lie on back with knees bent, feet on the floor.
    • Hands behind the neck, elbows touching the mat.
    • Perform sit-ups touching elbows to knees.
  • Scoring: Number of sit-ups in 60 seconds.

4. Shuttle Run

  • Objective: To measure agility and speed.
  • Procedure:
    • Run to pick up a block, return it behind the line, and repeat.
  • Scoring: Best time from two trials.

5. Standing Long Jump

  • Objective: To measure explosive power.
  • Procedure:
    • Jump as far as possible from a standing position.
  • Scoring: Best of three trials.

6. 50-Yard Dash

  • Objective: To measure maximum speed.
  • Procedure:
    • Run 50 yards as quickly as possible.
  • Scoring: Time taken to the nearest tenth of a second.

7. 600-Yard Run/Walk

  • Objective: To measure cardiorespiratory endurance.
  • Procedure:
    • Cover 600 yards in the shortest time possible.
  • Scoring: Time recorded in minutes and seconds.

Conclusion

The AAHPERD Youth Physical Fitness Test is more than a series of exercises; it’s a legacy that underscores the value of fitness in education and daily life. By adopting such assessments, educators, parents, and trainers can nurture healthier, more active communities.

Stay tuned to Sports & Physical Education for more insights on the history and evolution of fitness programs that shape the world of sports today!

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