The goal for a standardized physical assessment is to establish a baseline of fitness and mobility for each member. Whether the goal is to lose 20 pounds or increase golf-swing speed, measuring progress helps to clearly guide members for continuing on a training track or making needed adjustments.
The 30,000-foot view of the goal for a standardized physical assessment is to establish a baseline of fitness and mobility for each member. It can often be difficult for members to see the improvements they are making in training—so beginning with a tool that can help both the member and instructor understand individual physical strengths and weaknesses can serve as a clear marker for comparison as gains are made.
Whether the goal is to lose 20 pounds or increase golf-swing speed, measuring progress helps to clearly guide members for continuing on a training track or making needed adjustments, and to keep them educated about the various types of physiological changes that are occurring.
The key components of a physical assessment are based on the following facets:
• Anthropometrics, such as weight and body fat, are most commonly measured using bioelectrical impedance or skin-fold calipers. “BOD POD,” which has become the gold standard in body-fat testing, uses an air-displacement plethysmograph to determine body composition. Inbody, based on bioelectrical impedance, has proved to be the most accurate measurement system. For any system, consistency in how it is used initially and then through re-testing will result in a higher reliability of the measurements it produces.
• Mobility and functional movement screens (FMS) differentiate between the good and bad in any human movement. FMS is a well-researched technique utilized throughout various sports. In golf, the most well-known mobility screen is from the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI)—it has been around the longest in golf and has been used to train the most professionals.
The TPI screen makes it easy to digest and implement very complex movements and interventions. The assessment reveals how physical limitations will affect the golf swing, and also teaches basic interventions for common limitations.
• A strength assessment may take on many forms. The age and activity level of an individual determines what type of strength testing is valuable. A younger and very active individual would require testing a combination of upper and lower body strength against external resistance. In a more mature member who is far less active, a strength assessment incorporating only body-weight exercises would be more appropriate.
• Lastly, there is the cardiovascular assessment. Similar to the strength assessment, this will depend on the individual’s current level of activity, age and what their goals are. For the more mature or sedentary individual, research shows that a basic 12-minute run or bike test, to compare pre- and post- heart rates, can be very insightful. Most current treadmills and stationary bikes have built-in programs to capture VO2 max (the maximum rate of oxygen consumption) in more physically advanced individuals.
Each facet of the physical assessment brings to light metrics that all contribute to a robust understanding of an individual’s body. With a system that can be easily reproduced and that provides the ability to track gains over time, individuals will remain educated and motivated throughout their journey toward their physical goals.
Keke Lyles is recognized as a leader in human performance, with experience with professional athletes and Navy Special Warfare operators. He now leads fitness initiatives at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe.
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