The importance of sports assessment: A holistic approach to performance, health, and injury prevention

By relying on precise physiological and biomechanical tests, it provides an in-depth understanding of one’s fitness level. This allows for the adaptation of training programs, identification of potential weaknesses, and prevention of risks associated with physical activity. At our clinic, we implement a holistic approach to sports evaluation by utilizing four key tests: VO2 max on a bike, hand grip strength test, overhead squat, and the maximum number of squats in 30 seconds. These evaluations are then analyzed from three essential perspectives: performance, health, and prevention.

The VO2 max test measures an individual’s maximal oxygen uptake, which is a critical parameter of cardiorespiratory fitness and the body’s ability to use oxygen during sustained physical effort. It serves as a major indicator of aerobic endurance and performance in endurance sports. A high VO2 max correlates with better cardiovascular health, increased longevity, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, a low VO2 max is often associated with a higher risk of hospitalization, loss of autonomy, and early mortality.

By tracking the evolution of VO2 max, we can adjust training programs to maximize aerobic capacity and metabolic efficiency. This approach benefits not only athletes but also anyone seeking to improve endurance and maintain optimal fitness throughout life.

Hand grip strength is a powerful indicator of overall muscular health and an important predictive factor for mortality and injury risk. It reflects the neuromuscular system's ability to generate force and activate slow and fast muscle fibers effectively. Research has shown that low hand grip strength is associated with a higher risk of morbidity, particularly for chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions.

Regular evaluation of hand grip strength helps identify strength deficits and tailor training programs to improve neuromuscular coordination and muscle endurance. Enhancing this strength helps prevent falls, limit age-related sarcopenia, and maintain optimal functional autonomy.

The overhead squat is an essential functional test to assess joint mobility, biomechanics, and kinetic chain activation. This test highlights muscle imbalances, mobility restrictions, and postural defects that may impair athletic performance and increase the risk of injury.

Good joint mobility, combined with effective postural control, is crucial for optimizing movement efficiency, reducing chronic pain, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders. By analyzing movement limitations, we can develop corrective strategies for posture and flexibility improvements, leading to better alignment and enhanced body stability.

The maximum squats in 30 seconds test is an excellent method for evaluating muscular endurance, muscle fiber activation, and both aerobic and anaerobic capacity. A high performance in this test indicates good muscular endurance, the ability to generate power quickly, and better resistance to fatigue.

Maintaining a high level of muscular endurance is vital for preserving optimal mobility, preventing joint pain, and reducing the risk of lower limb injuries. By assessing lower limb functional capacity, we can identify muscular deficits and adjust training programs to enhance power, stability, and muscle resilience.