Assessment of Eligibility for Fitness Testing

Kuvaus

This model is intended to assist fitness professionals in evaluating the safety of fitness testing.

The test participant’s health status and previous level of physical activity must be taken into consideration when selecting an appropriate test. In general, fitness testing is considered safe for healthy, asymptomatic individuals who are accustomed to regular physical activity. However, the fitness professional must always be prepared for the occurrence of symptoms or abnormal sensations during the test. If the client has a low level of physical activity, or if there are pre-existing conditions or symptoms, these must be considered when
selecting the test protocol. If necessary, testing eligibility should be confirmed by a physician.

Background information relevant to test safety should be obtained in a manner appropriate to the selected test and the characteristics of the target population.

How to use the model:

• Symptoms presented on a red background, which indicate a contraindication to testing, should be identified first.
• If none of these are present, conditions and symptoms shown on a yellow background are assessed next. These do not constitute absolute contraindications, but require special consideration and may necessitate modifications to the test protocol or method of exertion.
• In addition, the client’s habitual physical activity, indicated on a green background, should also be reviewed. Together, these factors determine the client’s eligibility for fitness testing.

The model has been developed in 2024 in collaboration between the UKK Institute and Tampere Research Center of Sports Medicine. The English version of the model has been published 25.3.2026.
Expert group: Pauliina Husu, Piia Kaikkonen, Olli-Pekka Nuuttila, Katriina Ojala, Kerttu Toivo ja Tommi Vasankari

Publisher: The UKK Institute 2026
Accessibility: The downloadable PDF file complies with the accessibility requirements.

The model is also available in

• Finnish
• Swedish