6.5 Strength, Endurance, Power, and SAQ Assessments

Performance tests come after safety and movement quality

NASM's Assessment domain includes strength, muscular endurance, power, and speed, agility, and quickness assessments. Examples in the blueprint include 1-repetition maximum tests, push-up tests, vertical jump tests, 40-yard dash, 5-10-5 drill, and box drills. These are useful only when the client is appropriate for them.

A 1RM test estimates or measures maximal strength. NASM's 1RM resource notes that estimating 1RM with submaximal loads is safer and more common than direct maximal testing for many people. A common estimate uses a weight the client can lift for a known number of good-form reps, often not more than 10 for accuracy.

The push-up test is a muscular endurance assessment for upper-body and core control. It should stop when form breaks, pain appears, or the client can no longer maintain the standard. Modified versions can be appropriate for beginners, but the protocol must be recorded so reassessment is comparable.

Power assessments include the vertical jump and standing long or broad jump. These require safe landing mechanics. If the client has knee pain, poor control, or no clearance after injury, jumping tests are not the first choice. Movement assessment should inform whether power testing is safe.

SAQ assessments are for clients whose goals require speed, agility, or quickness. The 40-yard dash measures straight-line speed. The 5-10-5 drill and box drills assess change of direction, deceleration, and reacceleration. They are more appropriate for athletes or clients with adequate baseline conditioning and movement control.

Test order matters. Screen health and risk first, then assess posture and movement, then performance when appropriate. Warm up before performance tests. Explain the protocol, demonstrate the movement, allow practice when the protocol permits, and standardize rest between trials.

Terminate a test when safety changes. Stop for chest pain, dizziness, unusual shortness of breath, sharp pain, loss of balance, technique failure, or client request. A test score is never worth training through a red flag.

Results should translate into program decisions. A low push-up score may start with incline push-ups, core stabilization, and shoulder control. Poor jump landing may require stabilization, deceleration practice, and lower-impact reactive progressions. A strong estimated 1RM with poor OHSA quality may still require movement correction before heavy loading.

Exam traps include maximal testing for deconditioned beginners, sprint testing after a poor movement screen, ignoring spotters, and comparing reassessments after changing protocol. Choose the safest valid assessment for the client and goal.