The Use of FITNESSGRAM® in PETE: Is It Appropriate?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Many physical education teacher education (PETE) programs have adopted FITNESSGRAM® as the preferred method to assess teacher candidate fitness levels. The rationale, however, is unclear. This article presents fitness testing results of PETE candidates using FITNESSGRAM® with the aim to evaluate its appropriateness. 86 PETE students participated in the FITNESSGRAM® assessment tool as part of the University program course requirement. Participants engaged in the Progressive Aerobic Capacity Endurance Run (PACER), push-ups, curl-ups, the sit and reach, and body composition was determined via body mass index (BMI). Data were analyzed separately by sex. Compared to FITNESSGRAM® Healthy Fitness Zones, most participants met or exceeded the muscular and cardiovascular fitness testing components; however, many were also calculated as overweight or obese. Despite the wide use of FITNESSGRAM® in PETE programs, there are concerns with the psychometric properties of some FITNESSGRAM® scales relative to the PETE candidate population. The authors recommend age-appropriate fitness testing measures to ensure that pre-service physical education teachers are engaged in fitness producing activities that adequately assess and promote health-related fitness.