Chapter 1

Introduction to the Brockport

Physical Fitness Test
T he Brockport Physical Fitness Test (BPFT) is
a health-related, criterion-referenced test of
fitness. The term health-related is used to distin-
To address this need, the College at Brock-
port, State University of New York, received
funding from the Office of Special Education and
guish objectives of this test battery from others Rehabilitative Services in the U.S. Department
that might be more appropriately related to skill of Education from 1993 to 1998 to support the
or physical performance. The phrase criterion-ref- work of Project Target (1998). The project aimed
erenced conveys that the standards for evaluation to develop a health-related, criterion-referenced
are based on values believed to have significance physical fitness test for young people (aged 10 to
for an individual’s health. Criterion-referenced 17) with disability. A key element of the project
standards can be established in a number of ways, was to develop standards that would provide tar-
including through research findings, logic, expert gets for attaining health-related physical fitness.
opinion, and norm-referenced data (e.g., averages, Another key goal of Project Target was to
percentiles). develop an educational component to enhance
The BPFT is designed primarily for use among the development of health-related fitness in
youngsters with disability. It is particularly com- youngsters with disability. The populations tar-
patible with Fitnessgram®, the fitness test devel- geted in this project included youth with mental
oped by the Cooper Institute® (2013). retardation, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy,
In the mid-1990s, the American Alliance for blindness, congenital anomaly, or amputation.
Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (In this current revision of the BPFT, the term
(AAHPERD) adopted the Prudential Fitnessgram mental retardation has been replaced by intellectual
(Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research, 1992) disability in order to be consistent with current
as its recommended health-related, criterion-ref- conventions.)
erenced test of physical fitness. However, while Although the project targeted these particular
the Prudential Fitnessgram manual contained a disabilities, it also provides a process that can be
section addressing special populations, different used to assess the physical fitness of youngsters
or modified test items and standards were not with other disabilities. During the project, a total
presented in a systematic way for young people of 1,542 young people (with and without disa-
with specific disabilities. bility) were tested, and data from several other

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2  •  Brockport Physical Fitness Test Manual

projects (including thousands of youngsters) selecting test items and standards for youngsters
were also analyzed as part of Project Target. The reflects the personalized approach described in
result of Project Target is the Brockport Physical detail in chapter 2. The steps include identifying
Fitness Test. and selecting health-related concerns of impor-
This second edition of the BPFT retains infor- tance for an individual, establishing a desired
mation about the test’s background, definitions personalized fitness profile, selecting components
and classifications of disabilities, test items, test and subcomponents of physical fitness to assess,
selection guides, and standards (slightly revised) selecting test items to measure the selected com-
for assessing performance. Some technical infor- ponents, and selecting health-related standards
mation from the first edition is not included here, and fitness zones to evaluate physical fitness.
but it can be found in Winnick and Short (2005). In selecting test items and standards for the
New and revised features of the second edition BPFT, one of the primary criteria used was valid-
include a test manual with instructional video ity. Once a conceptual framework was established
clips and reproducibles available in the accom- for health-related physical fitness, test items and
panying web resource. standards were selected on the basis of logic,
The BPFT includes a number of unique ele- literature review, and data deemed relevant to
ments. First, it represents an initial attempt to validity. The theoretical conceptual basis for the
apply a health-related, criterion-referenced fitness test’s validity is more specifically discussed and
approach to youngsters with disability. Second, summarized in Winnick and Short (2005).
it recognizes the individualized nature of fitness A second criterion for selection of test items
testing and encourages a personalized approach was reliability. All of the test items recommended
based on health-related needs and a desired fitness are believed to be reliable. Many data were found
profile. Third, in an effort to provide options for in the literature regarding the reliability of test
test administrators to personalize testing, the items, and additional data supporting test-item
battery includes several test items from which to reliability were collected as part of Project Target.
choose. Finally, some of the test items presented Again, readers can obtain detailed information
are new (or at least nontraditional) and are about the test’s reliability in Winnick and Short
designed to include a larger number of individ- (2005).
uals in the testing program than was previously A third criterion for selection of test items and
possible. standards was the extent to which test items could
This test manual is fairly thick. Many of the be used for different categories of youngsters.
pages are dedicated to the directions for adminis- Preference was given to test items and standards
tering individual test items that are presented in that could be applied to young people with and
chapter 5. Testers, however, should also become without disability and that could be found in
familiar with the material presented in other appropriate tests of physical fitness designed for
chapters because understanding the rationale for the general population. In particular, test items
the test (along with its strengths and weaknesses) from Fitnessgram were selected so that the BPFT
is important in interpreting results. could be easily coordinated with that test. Pref-
erence was also given to test items that could
Test Construction be administered to both males and females, to
youngsters between 10 and 17 years of age, and
The BPFT includes 27 test items, but, generally to young people with various disabilities.
speaking, only 4 to 6 items are needed in order The fourth criterion of primary importance
to assess the health-related physical fitness of a was for test items to be suitable for measuring
particular individual. As expected, considerable different physical fitness traits or abilities but also
study was undertaken to determine what test to encompass the components of physical fitness
items to recommend in the test and what stand- selected and defined for this test. This approach
ards and fitness zones should be used to evalu- was taken so that each item in the test added new
ate physical fitness. The process developed for information about an individual’s ability.

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 Introduction to the Brockport Physical Fitness Test  •  3

Additional secondary criteria were also applied adaptive behavior, and manifestation before age
in the selection of test items. Specifically, to the 18. This edition of the BPFT uses the term intel-
extent possible, preference was given to items lectual disability instead of mental retardation.
reasonably familiar to physical educators, eco- Although many youngsters with intellectual
nomical in terms of time and expense, and easily disability have no limitation in physical fitness,
administered in field situations. others exhibit limitations ranging from mild
to severe. As a result, they may require slight
Target Populations to marked modifications in testing to measure
physical fitness.
The BPFT was targeted for use among youngsters Youngsters with intellectual disability and mild
with disability—specifically, those with visual limitations in physical fitness include both people
impairment, intellectual disability, or orthopedic who require intermittent or limited support in
impairment, including cerebral palsy, spinal cord learning or performing test items and people who
injury, congenital anomaly, and amputation. How- require substantial modification in test items or
ever, it builds on and closely relates to physical alternative test items to measure components of
fitness tests of youth in the general population, physical fitness. These individuals are capable
particularly Fitnessgram. Youngsters in the gen- of levels of fitness consistent with good health,
eral population, of course, include those without can participate in games and leisure activities
disability (that is, those who are free from impair- in selected appropriate environments, and can
ment or disability that influences test results). perform activities of daily living. Youngsters
The following sections present definitions and with intellectual disability and mild limitations
classifications associated with groups with whom are perhaps best associated with the lower levels
the BPFT might be used. of the “mild mental retardation” and “moderate
mental retardation” classifications used in previ-
Youngsters With Intellectual ous classification systems.
Youngsters with intellectual disability who
Disability
have severe limitations generally need extensive
The first disability classification associated with or pervasive support related to physical fitness.
this test is intellectual disability. Its definition is These individuals require significant help in
based on the American Association on Mental learning and performing physical fitness test
Retardation’s (1992) definition of (in the ter- items. They also need alternative test items or
minology commonly used at the time) mental marked modification in measuring a compo-
retardation: nent (or more than one) of physical fitness. As
a result, valid assessment of physical fitness
Mental retardation refers to substantial
may not be possible in this group using typical
limitations in present functioning. It is
health-related physical fitness tests. Thus, for this
characterized by significantly subaverage
group, measurement of physical activity may be
intellectual functioning, existing concur-
preferred over assessment that uses physical fit-
rently with related limitations in two or
ness test items.
more of the following applicable adaptive
Suitable test items of physical fitness for this
skill areas: communication, self-care,
group may include alternative assessments, such
home living, social skills, community
as rubrics and task-analyzed test items. In addi-
use, self-direction, health and safety,
functional academics, leisure, and work. tion, these individuals often require physical
Mental retardation manifests before age assistance as they perform test items. (These
18. approaches are discussed in greater detail in
chapter 6.)
This definition includes three major criteria for Table 1.1 summarizes limitations and needs
the determination of an intellectual disability: related to physical fitness testing of youngsters
subaverage intellectual functioning, deficits in with intellectual disability.

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4  •  Brockport Physical Fitness Test Manual

Youngsters With Visual functions below the neurological level of spinal

cord damage. An incomplete injury results in a
Impairment partial but not total loss of function below the
Visual impairment is defined as impairment in level of injury on the spinal cord.
vision that, even with correction, adversely affects The BPFT includes test items for individuals
a child’s educational performance. It includes both who have low-level quadriplegia or paraplegia and
partial sight and blindness. Categories of blind- who primarily use wheelchairs for locomotion in
ness given in table 1.2 are consistent with those their activities of daily living. These test items
used by the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes can also be used for ambulatory youngsters with
(USABA). The partial-sight category used with spinal cord injury. To enable selection of appro-
this test corresponds to the B4 category developed priate test items and standards for measuring
by the USABA classification for sport competition. and evaluating physical fitness, the BPFT uses a
three-category classification of spinal cord injury:
Youngsters With Spinal Cord low-level quadriplegia (LLQ), paraplegia—wheel-
chair (PW), and paraplegia—ambulatory (PA). See
Injury table 1.3 for more detail.
For purposes of the BPFT, a spinal cord injury is a
condition that involves damage to the spinal cord
resulting in motor and possibly sensory and mus-
Youngsters With Cerebral Palsy
cular impairment. It includes traumatic as well In order to group and categorize physical fitness
as congenital spinal cord injury or malfunction. test items and performance for this population, the
Both the level and the extent of damage affect the BPFT has adopted the definition of cerebral palsy
nature and degree of a person’s impairment and and the classification system used by the Cerebral
disability. A complete spinal cord injury results Palsy International Sports and Recreation Asso-
in total loss of sensory, motor, and autonomic ciation (CPISRA, 1993). Here is the definition:

Table 1.1  Limitations and Needs of Youngsters With Intellectual Disability in Physical
Fitness Testing
Limitation Needs
None These individuals have no unique physical fitness needs and require no unique modification or support in
learning and performing physical fitness tests. The desired physical fitness profile and standards for evaluating
physical fitness are identical to those for youngsters without disability.
Mild These individuals have mild limitations in physical fitness requiring intermittent or limited support in learning
or performing test items. They may also require substantial modification of test items or alternative test items
to measure components of physical fitness. They can demonstrate physical fitness on an achievement scale.
Adjusted standards for assessing physical fitness may be appropriate. The desired physical fitness profile leans
toward or closely relates to that of youngsters without disability.
Severe Because of severe limitations, these individuals need extensive or pervasive support in learning and performing
test items. They also need alternative test items or marked modification in measuring components of physical
fitness. They may require assessment involving physical activity rather than physical fitness. They generally
need individualized criterion-referenced standards for assessment of physical fitness.

Table 1.2  Classification System for Youngsters With Visual Impairment

Category Description
B1 Individuals who are totally blind (may possess light perception but are unable to recognize hand shapes at any
distance)
B2 Individuals who can perceive hand shapes but with visual acuity of not better than 20/600 or who have less
than 5° in the visual field
B3 Individuals with visual acuity from 20/599 to 20/200 and those with 5° through 20° in the visual field
PS Individuals who are partially sighted (those with visual acuity from 20/199 to 20/70)

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 Introduction to the Brockport Physical Fitness Test  •  5

Cerebral palsy is a brain lesion which for a classification system originally developed by
is nonprogressive and causes variable CPISRA (1993) based on a functional evaluation
impairment of the coordination, tone and that includes assessing the extent of an individ-
strength of muscle action with resulting ual’s control of the lower extremity, trunk, upper
inability of the person to maintain normal extremity, and hand. This classification system is
postures and perform normal movements. summarized in table 1.4.
In order to describe degree of impairment as it Category C1 includes individuals with the most
influences performance in physical activity and severe involvement (e.g., those who depend on an
sport, this test has adapted and collected test data electric wheelchair or assistance for mobility),

Table 1.3  Classification System for Youngsters With Spinal Cord Injury
Category Description
Low-level quadriplegia (LLQ) Individuals with complete or incomplete spinal cord damage that results in neurological
impairment of all four extremities and the trunk, as well as individuals with lower cervical
(C6–C8) neurological involvement
Paraplegia—wheelchair (PW) Individuals with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury below the cervical area resulting
in motor loss in the lower extremities (paraplegia) and the need to use a wheelchair for daily
living activities
Paraplegia—ambulatory (PA) Individuals with complete or incomplete spinal cord injury resulting in motor loss in the lower
extremities but who ambulate in daily activities without wheelchair assistance

Table 1.4  Classification System for Youngsters With Cerebral Palsy

Category Description
C1 Individuals with severe spastic quadriplegia, with or without athetosis, or with poor functional range of
movement and poor functional strength in all extremities and trunk; and individuals with severe athetoid
quadriplegia, with or without spasticity, with poor functional strength and control. In either case, these
individuals depend on an electric wheelchair or assistance for mobility and are unable to functionally
propel a manual wheelchair.
C2 Individuals with severe to moderate spastic quadriplegia, with or without athetosis, or with severe athetoid
quadriplegia with fair function in the less-affected side. These individuals have poor functional strength in
all extremities and trunk but are able to propel a manual wheelchair. Further classifications are C2U if the
individual exhibits relatively better upper-body abilities than lower-body abilities and C2L if the individual
exhibits relatively greater lower-body than upper-body abilities.
C3 Individuals with moderate quadriplegia or severe hemiplegia resulting in use of a wheelchair for activities
of daily living who can propel a manual wheelchair independently and have almost full functional strength
in the dominant upper extremity.
C4 Individuals with moderate to severe diplegia with good functional strength and minimal limitation or control
problems in the upper limbs or trunk. A wheelchair is usually chosen for sport.
C5 Individuals with moderate diplegia or triplegia who may require the use of assistive devices in walking but
not necessarily when standing or throwing. Problems with dynamic balance are possible.
C6 Individuals with moderate athetosis or ataxia who ambulate without aids. Athetosis is the most prevalent
factor, although some individuals with spastic quadriplegia (i.e., more arm involvement than in ambulant
diplegia) may fit this classification. All four limbs usually show functional involvement in sport movements.
Individuals in the C6 class usually have more control problems in upper limbs than those in C5 but usually
have better function in lower limbs, particularly when running.
C7 Individuals with ambulant hemiplegia and spasticity on one side of the body who ambulate without an
assistive device but often with a limp due to spasticity in a lower limb. These individuals have good
functional ability on the dominant side of the body.
C8 Individuals who are minimally affected by spastic diplegia, spastic hemiplegia, or monoplegia or who are
minimally affected by athetosis or ataxia.
Adapted, by permission, from Cerebral Palsy International Sport and Recreation Association (CP-ISRA), 1993, CP-ISRA handbook, 5th ed. (Heteren,
Netherlands: CP-ISRA).
Readers interested in subsequent changes made in this classification system should consult the Blaze Sports (www.blazesports.org).

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6  •  Brockport Physical Fitness Test Manual

whereas category C8, the highest class, includes or partially deformed extremities at birth, whereas
those who are minimally affected (e.g., those who individuals with amputation are missing part or
can run and jump freely). The first four classes are all of an extremity (or more than one). Amputation
appropriate for individuals who use wheelchairs, may be congenital or acquired. The BPFT’s classi-
and the second four are appropriate for those fication system, tests, and standards assume that
who are ambulatory. Although the system has these individuals are nondisabled except for their
been modified by Blaze Sports America, the 1993 congenital anomaly or amputation. Individuals
system is used with the BPFT so as to be consistent who have physical conditions or diseases in addi-
with data collected during Project Target. tion to congenital anomaly or amputation must
have programs more specifically personalized for
Youngsters With Congenital them with medical consultation.
For the BPFT, individuals are subclassified
Anomaly or Amputation according to limb involvement. The specific loca-
For the purposes of the BPFT, individuals with tion of limb involvement (right or left side) is not
congenital anomaly include youngsters with fully typically a factor in subclassification.

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