The physical fitness test discourse model

Abstract

In general, when applying physical fitness tests a physiological capacity rationale is normally the hegemonic explanation. Still, soldiers’ performance and fitness capture more than physiological capacity alone, and physical fitness tests are used to monitor a variety of physical fitness related components like health, motivation, and readiness. Thus, the scope of this paper is to explore and sketch out a model for physical fitness testing in the armed forces context from an interdisciplinary viewpoint applying a discourse framework. In doing so we utilize four different rationales (physiological capacity, injury prevention, health, and individual readiness) as grinding stones to debate how a specific rationale enables, constrains, and constructs test protocols.