Test validation in sport physiology: lessons learned from clinimetrics

Int J Sports Physiol Perform. 2009 Jun;4(2):269-77. doi: 10.1123/ijspp.4.2.269.

Abstract

We propose that physiological and performance tests used in sport science research and professional practice should be developed following a rigorous validation process, as is done in other scientific fields, such as clinimetrics, an area of research that focuses on the quality of clinical measurement and uses methods derived from psychometrics. In this commentary, we briefly review some of the attributes that must be explored when validating a test: the conceptual model, validity, reliability, and responsiveness. Examples from the sport science literature are provided.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Athletic Performance
  • Biomedical Research* / standards
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Physical Endurance
  • Physiology / methods*
  • Physiology / standards
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Psychometrics
  • ROC Curve
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Soccer
  • Sports*
  • Task Performance and Analysis*