ESSA’s Student Manual for Health, Exercise and Sport Assessment

“The Comprehensive Guide to Sports Science Testing” by Jeff Coombes and Tina Skinner is a highly informative book for aspiring sports scientists, exercise professionals, and health practitioners. Having a thorough understanding of the protocols, procedures and theories underpinning testing procedures is crucial in providing accurate data and diagnosis of clients or athletes.

The book is well-structured, organized into different sections that deal with various kinds of tests, providing a comprehensive overview of the procedures, equipment needed, and pre-testing guidelines for conducting accurate assessments. One of the most impressive features of this book is its focus on accuracy, emphasizing the importance of calibration and periodic verification of the equipment. This detail helps in ensuring that the tests are not just correct at the moment but that the data obtained will be reliable over time—this is fundamental in clients’ and athletes’ diagnosis and training.

The authors have dedicated significant space to data analysis, a practical that is sure to delight teachers and students in the field. With strategies to help sports scientists interpret and analyze test results and effective communication of the results to clients/athletes, the book uniquely links the complete process, offering a comprehensive understanding of testing procedures and interpretation of results. The practical approach to data analysis will equip professionals with the skills they need to apply to clients and athletes.

One outstanding feature of this book is its comprehensive range of tests. From anthropometry to threshold tests, submaximal and maximal exercise testing to range of motion, the authors leave no stone unturned in their coverage of the spectrum of tests in exercise, health, and sports science. Each test protocol includes practical recording tables, making data collection and analysis easy, effective and timesaving.

The book further dedicates an extensive space to laboratory safety, cleaning, and disinfecting procedures, ensuring that professionals understand the value of having precautions to ensure confidentiality between clients and between tests. The authors make a strong case for regular calibration of equipment and keeping maintenance schedules, implying that professionals realize the impact that careless maintenance of equipment can have.

In conclusion, “The Comprehensive Guide to Sports Science Testing” is a highly useful book in the field of sports science and exercise. The emphasis on accurate measurement, the comprehensive range of tests, user-friendly protocols, and practical data recording tables make this book an essential resource for exercise professionals. In particular, the link between data analysis, interpretation and communication of results will equip professionals with the much-needed skills to communicate test results effectively.

Ordering this book will be an excellent investment for aspiring sports scientists, exercise professionals, and health practitioners. The ISBN-13 is 9780729581424, published by Elsevier Health Sciences APAC, the publication date is 9/5/2014, and it has 480 pages. This book will be an excellent addition to any sports science or exercise professional’s library. Get a copy today and improve your expertise!

Product Details

• Combines the theory underpinning testing procedures and comprehensive step-by-step protocols
• Includes practical data recording tables
• Protocols that encompass the spectrum of tests in exercise, health and sports science including, but not limited to, anthropometry, muscular strength, submaximal and maximal exercise testing, range of motion and threshold tests
• Includes pre-testing procedures and equipment requirements for conducting assessments
• Emphasis on the accuracy of the measurement, including calibration and verification of equipment
• Section on laboratory safety, cleaning and disinfectanting
• Links analysis, interpretation and communication of test results
• Data analysis practical that encourages the reader to analyse their own data collected in the activities

• ISBN-13: 9780729581424
• Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences APAC
• Publication date: 9/5/2014
• Pages: 480