Mr. Manning Bricker
IBES Physical Education
Bones and Muscles
FitnessGram Overview
PACER Test
The PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run) is a multistage fitness test adapted from the 20-meter shuttle run test published by Leger and Lambert (1982) and revised in 1988 (Leger et al.). The test is progressive in intensity—it is easy at the beginning and gets harder at the end. The progressive nature of the test provides a built-in warm-up and helps children to pace themselves effectively. The test has also been set to music to create a valid, fun alternative to the customary distance run test for measuring aerobic capacity.
The following video was produced for the California Department of Education and describes the P.A.C.E.R. test used for the FitnessGram program. The same techniques in the video below will be used in our class.
FitnessGram Push-up and Curl-up Tests
The following videos were produced for the California Department of Education and describe the push-up and curl-up tests used for the FitnessGram program. The same techniques in the videos below will be used in our class.
Trunk Lift and Shoulder Stretch Tests
The following videos were produced for the California Department of Education and describe the trunk lift and shoulder stretch tests used for the FitnessGram program. The same techniques in the videos below will be used in our class.
Backsaver Sit & Reach Test
The following videos were produced for the California Department of Education and describe the backsaver sit and reach test used for the FitnessGram program. The same techniques in the videos below will be used in our class.
Body Mass Index (B.M.I.) Test
FITNESSGRAM provides three different measures of aerobic capacity (VO2), the PACER test (recommended), the One-Mile Run, and the Walk Test. From a research perspective aerobic capacity is one of the the most important fitness components. FG now requires the input of Body Mass Index (BMI) (weight relative to height) in the calculation of aerobic capacity to ensure the most accurate measure of VO2. Aerobic capacity reflects the body's effectiveness to take in, transport, and convert oxygen to energy during exercise. Therefore, the higher the one's aerobic capacity (VO2) the higher their level of aerobic fitness.
Low levels of aerobic capacity can be associated with metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer. Students who consistently reach the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) in aerobic capacity and body composition are thought to be less likely to develop these issues overtime.
The following video was produced for the California Department of Education and describes the B.M.I. test used for the FitnessGram program. The same techniques in the video below will be used in our class.