Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have developed the following knowledge, skills and competencies:
• Knowledge: (i) Recognize key theoretical principles and testing protocols for assessing aerobic and anaerobic capacity, including ergospirometry and field-based tests, (ii) Understand the physiological and biological parameters influencing cardiorespiratory and anaerobic performance, (iii) Describe the parameters and methods for measuring anthropometric characteristics, basal metabolic rate, and body composition (e.g., skinfolds, bioelectrical impedance), (iv) Explain the function and physiology of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems in relation to exercise performance, and (v) Identify standard testing protocols for determining VO₂max, ventilatory threshold, and lactate threshold, and apply them across various population groups.
• Skills: (i) Perform practical measurements of aerobic and anaerobic capacity using cardiopulmonary exercise testing with metabolic cart, field tests, the Wingate test, and other sport-specific protocols, (ii) Analyze and interpret key performance metrics such as VO₂max, thresholds, energy expenditure, basal metabolic rate, and body fat percentage, (iii) basic operation of scientific equipment, including metabolic carts, body composition analyzers, blood pressure monitors, and strength devices, (iv) Design and conduct structured fitness and physiological assessment protocols, and (v) Evaluate mobility, flexibility, and muscular strength using appropriate ergometric tools and procedures.
• Competences: (i) Integrate ergometric data to support evidence-based decision-making in personalized training program design, (ii) Collaborate effectively in teams to conduct, analyze, and present physiological assessments using scientific methodology, (iii) Present evaluation results with scientific clarity, (iv) Apply theoretical and practical knowledge in real-world exercise settings, such as fitness testing in mass participation and sports, and (v) Assess and adapt exercise programs based on test results and the individual needs of the athlete or client.
Course Content (Syllabus)
Course Purpose and Description
The course “Exercise Testing/Evaluation of Physical Performance” aims to provide theoretical and practical knowledge related to the methods of measurement and assessment of physical abilities in recreational and competitive sports. Fundamental principles and modern approaches to evaluating cardiorespiratory and anaerobic capacity, energy expenditure, body composition, muscle strength, flexibility, and basal metabolism are examined. Through laboratory and field applications, students will become familiar with instruments and measurement techniques such as cardiopulmonary exercise testing using a metabolic cart, the Wingate test, and methods for determining body fat and energy expenditure. The course aims to understand the physiological parameters that affect cardiorespiratory and anaerobic performance and muscle strength, as well as to utilize measurements for individualized exercise programs, providing students with essential skills in assessment and training intervention.
Course Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
• Understand the fundamental principles of measuring and evaluating physical abilities.
• Identify biological and physiological factors affecting cardiorespiratory and anaerobic performance.
• Apply energy expenditure measurement techniques both on theoretical and practical bases.
• Use cardiopulmonary exercise testing with metabolic cart to assess aerobic capacity.
• Conduct tests for the assessment of lactate and ventilatory threshold.
• Apply anaerobic capacity assessment tests such as the Wingate and vertical jumping tests.
• Evaluate anthropometric characteristics and body composition using appropriate methods.
• Design and adapt exercise programs based on assessment data.
Teaching
Units
• Fundamental principles and approaches in measuring and evaluating physical abilities
• Energy expenditure (theory)
• Measurement of energy expenditure (practice)
• Biological and physiological parameters of cardiorespiratory function
• Indices for the evaluation of cardiorespiratory function.
• Basic principles of cardiopoulmonary exercise testing using metabolic cart Describe the basic principles of ergospirometry.
• Measurement of cardiorespiratory function in recreational sports (theory)
• Measurement of maximal oxygen uptake in recreational sports using ergospirometry (practice)
• Protocols for measuring aerobic capacity in competitive sports (theory)
• VO2max measurement in competitive sports using ergospirometry (practice)
• VO2max estimation using running and other tests (theory)
• Field tests of aerobic capacity (practice)
• Quiz.
• Ventilatory threshold (theory – practice)
• Lactate threshold (theory – practice)
• Exercise programs to improve cardiorespiratory function
• Biological and physiological parameters affecting anaerobic capacity
• Indices and tests for evaluation of anaerobic capacity
• Anaerobic capacity evaluation tests
• Wingate (practice)
• Evaluation of anthropometric characteristics and body composition (theory)
• Body fat measurement – BIA & skinfolds (practice)
• Basal metabolism and blood pressure (theory – practice)
• Mobility/flexibility assessment (theory – practice)
• Upper and lower limb strength evaluation (theory)
• Upper and lower limb strength evaluation (practice)
Keywords
exercise testing, exercise prescription, energy cost, aerobic capacity, cardiovascular responses during exercise, continuous aerobic exercise, high intensity interval exercise, maximal oxygen consumption, anaerobic capacity, Wingate test, body fat measurement
Course Bibliography (Eudoxus)
Εργομετρία, Έκδοση: 3η έκδ./2015, Κλεισούρας Β., ISBN: 9789963258031, BROKEN HILL PUBLISHERS LTD
ACSM 's Αξιολόγηση και Σχεδιασμός Προγραμμάτων Άσκησης-Οδηγίες της Αμερικάνικης Αθλητιατρικής Εταιρείας, Έκδοση: 2η έκδ./2014, American College of Sports Medicine, ISBN: 9789963716852, Εκδότης: BROKEN HILL PUBLISHERS LTD