The use of the tri-level identification programmes

Abstract

The Tri-level test is a physiological assessment procedure developed by Telford, Minikin and Hooper¹ in Australia that provides a sophisticated, yet simply-administered series of tests to determine aerobic and anaerobic capabilities. It is a very good balance between the specialized laboratory tests that require expensive equipment, and the often-inaccurate field tests that are used for energy-system evaluation. The Tri-level test is comprised of three tests that can be administered on the one subject within 30 minutes and allows for the development of a Tri-level profile. This profile includes aerobic, anaerobic lactacid and anaerobic alactacid evaluation. It is a general evaluation that not only provides a fitness assessment of athletes and non-athletes but can be utilized in talent identification procedures. General tests such as the Tri-level test should involve large muscle groups and not require any specialized skills, so that no individual or group would be disadvantaged during testing. In consideration of this, the exercise devise chosen was the front entry Exertech EX-10 cycle ergometer with an attached work monitor unit. In Australia, this equipment is readily available and the cycling action is a familiar one to most people.