Health Testing

All L’Anse Creuse students in 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th grade will participate in Fitnessgram health testing.  Students are assessed in five fitness components, which are cardiovascular endurance, abdominal strength/endurance, core strength/flexibility, muscular strength (upper body), and flexibility.  Body composition will also be provided. Body composition provides an indication of the appropriateness of a child’s weight relative to height. All health reports and personal information will be kept completely confidential.  The students perform five tests to measure the fitness components. Each test is briefly described below.   

TEST 1: PACER

• Measurement: Aerobic Capacity (Cardiovascular Endurance)
• Test Objective: Students run as long as possible back and forth across a 20-meter space at a specified pace that progressively becomes faster each minute.
• Importance of aerobic capacity (cardiovascular endurance): Healthy levels of aerobic capacity (cardiovascular endurance) is associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, some forms of cancer, and other health problems in adults.

 TEST 2: CURL-UP / SIT-UPS

• Measurement: Abdominal Strength and Endurance
• Test Objective: Students complete as many curl-ups or sit-ups as possible at a specified pace.
• Importance of abdominal strength: Healthy levels of abdominal strength and endurance promote good posture and low back health.

 TEST 3: TRUNK EXTENSION

• Measurement: Trunk Extensor (Core) Strength and Flexibility
• Test Objective: Students lift their upper body off the floor using the muscles of the back and hold the position in a controlled manner.
• Importance of trunk extensor strength and flexibility: Healthy levels of trunk extensor strength and flexibility promote good posture and low back health.

TEST 4: FLEXED ARM HANG

• Measurement: Upper Body Strength and Endurance
• Test Objective: Students hold their chin above a pull-up bar for as long as possible.
• Importance of upper body strength and endurance: Healthy levels of upper body strength and endurance are important to perform daily activities as well as maintaining functional health.  

TEST 5: SIT AND REACH

• Measurement: Flexibility
• Test Objective: Students reach as far as possible while sitting with the measured leg straight and the other leg bent, foot flat on the floor.  Flexibility on both sides of the body is measured.
• Importance of flexibility: Maintaining adequate joint flexibility (range of motion) is important to functional health.  Note that all joints should be stretched to maintain healthy levels of flexibility throughout the body. 

The Fitnessgram reports are individualized for each student.  The Fitnessgram testing will take place twice a year.  Student reports will be sent home in the fall and the spring. The current score identifies each student’s level of fitness in relation to each test. It also identifies if the student is in the healthy fit zone for their age and gender or if they need some improvement.  The messages on the report discuss ways in which students can maintain or improve their levels of fitness.

While we do practice activities during physical education class that can help your child reach/maintain the fitness levels that are within the healthy fit zone, your child needs your support outside of school.  Your encouragement, support, and time commitment to your child in this area is the single most influential factor in helping your child to be healthy.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about the testing process or the Fitnessgram test reports.  You may contact me at Lobbestael Elementary or by email (osteran@lc-ps.org). Have a great day!

Sincerely,

Andrew Osterholm

Physical Education Teacher

Lobbestael Elementary