WO2014146188A1

WO2014146188A1 - Fitness apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2014146188A1
Application number: PCT/CA2013/050219
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bahram JAM
Original assignee: Jam Bahram
Priority date: 2013-03-18
Filing date: 2013-03-18
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Also published as: CA2917713A1

Abstract

Provided herein is a fitness apparatus comprising: a mat comprising a bottom surface, a top surface, three radial lines in a Y shape visible on the top surface, and radial distance graduated markings and numerical indicia; and a vertical free-standing pole comprising a base for abutting support on the top surface of the mat and a first target located proximal to the base. The fitness apparatus may be used for testing and/or training purposes. The fitness apparatus may be useful in methods to assess an injury, monitor recovery from an injury or estimate a risk of re-injury.

Description

FITNESS APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to physical fitness testing or training, and more particularly to balance testing or training.

Description of the Related Art

Balance tests are often used by therapists, for example, to assess an injury, monitor recovery from an injury or estimate a risk of re-injury. Balance tests can be static or dynamic. Static balance tests involve holding a fixed position for a predetermined period of time. Dynamic balance tests involve maintaining control throughout movement of a body part from a neutral stance to an extended point and then return to a neutral stance. While both static and dynamic balance tests can provide useful information, dynamic balance tests can more accurately mimic functional movements needed in sport and/or daily life.

A popular dynamic balance test is the Star Excursion Balance Test first introduced by Gray (Gray GW 1995. Lower Extremity Functional Profile. Adrian, ML USA: Wynn Marketing Inc) and further researched and developed by many others (eg., Kinzey SJ Armstrong CW 1998, The reliability of the Star-Excursion test in assessing dynamic balance, Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 27(5): 356-360. Gribble PA 2003, The Star Excursion Balance Test as a measurement tool, Athletic Therapy Today, 8(2): 46-47).

The Star-Excursion Balance Test requires a subject to maintain balance at a central point on one limb while maximally extending the non-weight-bearing limb in one of 8 radial directions marked in a circular angular grid at 45 degree intervals. The subject's goal is to maximally extend the non-weight-bearing limb along a radial line maintaining a height of 2 to 15 centimeters from a base surface without ever touching the base surface during the extension. The 8 radial directions form 4 diametrically opposed pairs that are designated with reference to the weight-bearing limb as anterior/posterior, medial/lateral, anterolateral/posteromedial, and anteromedial/posterolateral. A reductionist version called the Y-Balance Test that uses 3 of the 8 radial directions, namely anterior, posteromedial and posterolateral has been developed on the rationale that assessments using these 3 directions are representative of assessments using all 8 directions. Consistent with the angular spacing of 45 degrees between the 8 radial lines in the Star-Excursion Balance Test, in the Y-Balance Test, the posteromedial and posterolateral lines have an angular separation of 90 degrees, and both have an angular separation of 135 degrees from the anterior line.

Both the Star-Excursion Balance Test and the Y-Balance Test were originally performed by marking radial lines on a floor, thus requiring a semi -permanent use of floor space and introducing likely errors and variability in angular spacing and distance measurements due to the manual marking process. Total Gym Global Corp attempted to address these problems by producing a flexible sheet with a circular grid marked on it (Total Gym Functional Testing Grid Instructional Guide 1998, Total Gym Global Corp) with angular spacings of 30 degrees superimposed on the 45 degree spaced 8 line grid of the Star- Excursion Balance Test. However, a problem with the Total Gym sheet is that the radial distance is marked at 10 centimeter intervals rendering measurements of insufficient specificity given that threshold limits for assessing or predicting injury on the basis of asymmetry is often less than 10 centimeters. Another problem is that the lines for the Y- Balance Test are not clearly marked. A further problem, carried over from the original method of manual floor markings, is that a subject can cheat by touching the extended non- weight-bearing limb to the sheet.

A Y-Balance Test using rigid pipes to form the arms of the Y extending from a central platform has been developed by Functional Movement Systems Inc. to address the measurement errors and potential for cheating by touching a base surface with the extended non-weight-bearing limb. Slidable targets held above the base surface are coupled to each of the pipes such that the potential for touching the base surface is reduced and measurement is facilitated by the slidable target remaining at the point of maximal extension. However, this Y-Balance Test apparatus suffers from a lack of markings to perform rotational measurements and its central platform may be too narrow for aged and/or those having a limited ability for balance. Moreover, the rigid piping structure is limited in its portability.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for alternative fitness testing systems for quantifying dynamic balance tests and other fitness tests. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect there is provided a fitness apparatus comprising:

a mat comprising a bottom surface, a top surface, three radial lines in a Y shape visible on the top surface, and radial distance graduated markings and numerical indicia; and a vertical free-standing pole comprising a base for abutting support on the top surface of the mat and a first target located proximal to the base.

In another aspect there is provided a fitness apparatus comprising:

a mat comprising a bottom surface, a top surface, eight radial lines in a circular grid visible on the top surface, and radial distance graduated markings and numerical indicia; and a vertical free-standing pole comprising a base for abutting support on the top surface of the mat and a first target located proximal to the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a top plan view of a marked mat that can be used for fitness testing or training;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the marked mat shown in Figure 1 in combination with a free-standing pole; and

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a method of use of the marked mat and freestanding pole shown in Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMB ODFMENT

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a mat 5 comprising a top non-slip surface marked with a circular grid 10 including angularly spaced radial lines and graduation indicia. Eight major radial lines 11, 12,13, 14,15, 16,17, 18 are marked at intervals of 45 degrees. Furthermore, a plurality of minor radial lines 20 are marked at 5 degree intervals. The plurality of minor radial lines 20 cumulatively cover 320 degrees of the circular grid 10 and are superimposed on and consistent with the eight major radial lines. Angular degree graduation numerical indicia 22 are marked generally at 10 degree intervals.

The eight major radial lines correspond to the eight radial directions of a Star- Excursion Balance Test. For a left-foot stance the anatomical directions corresponding to the eight major radial lines are as follows: line 11/ anterior; line 12/ anteromedial; line 13/ medial; line 14/ posteromedial; line 15/ posterior; line 16/ posterolateral; line 17/ lateral; and line 18/ anterolateral. For a right-foot stance the anatomical directions corresponding to the eight major radial lines are as follows: line 11/ anterior; line 12/ anterolateral; line 13/ lateral; line 14/ posterolateral; line 15/ posterior; line 16/ posteromedial; line 17/ medial; and line 18/ anteromedial.

Three of the eight major radial lines 11,14, 16 are graduated for distance with a series of graduated markings 24 at 1 centimeter intervals and a series of distance graduated numerical indicia 26 generally marked at 5 centimeter intervals. The three major radial lines 11,14, 16 graduated for distance are useful for conducting the Y-Balance Test.

Three pairs of feet placement reference points are marked on the mat 5. A first pair of feet placement reference points 30,30a is marked in a center portion of the circular grid 10 and provides a stance positioning for a variety of reach and/or rotation test. The first pair of feet placement reference points 30,30a does not indicate a stance for the Y-Balance Test.

A second pair of feet placement reference points 32,32a and a third pair of feet placement reference points 34,34a are marked radially outward from the first pair of reference points 30,30a.

The first pair of feet placement reference points 30,30a are marked within a central circle 40. Central circle 40 has a diameter of 40 centimeters. The second 32,32a and third 34,34a pairs of feet placement reference points are marked radially outward from the central circle 40 adjacent to the perimeter of central circle 40. The second pair of feet placement reference points 32,32a diametrically oppose major radial line 11 across central circle 40, and indicate a stance for conducting a component of the Y-Balance Test along major radial line 11. The third pair of feet placement reference points 34,34a diametrically oppose major radial lines 14 and 16, respectively across central circle 40, with reference point 34 positioning a left-foot stance for conducting a component of the Y-Balance Test along major radial line 14 and with reference point 34a positioning a right-foot stance for conducting a component of the Y-Balance Test along major radial line 16.

When compared to having all the feet placement reference points juxtaposed to the center of the circular grid 10, the combination of central circle 40 and feet placement diametrically opposed to each of major radial lines 11,14, 16 across the central circle 40 allows the overall radial length of the circular grid 10 to be shortened by a distance approximately equal to the radial length of the central circle 40. More specifically, since central circle 40 has a radius of 20 centimeters, feet placement radially outward from and adjacent to the perimeter of the central circle 40 allows the radial length of major radial lines 11,14, 16 to be shortened by approximately 20 centimeters compared to feet placements at the center of the circular grid 10.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the mat 5 in combination with a vertical freestanding pole 50 comprising a base 52 for abutting support on a horizontal surface, and more specifically a surface of the mat 5. The pole comprises a first target 54 located proximal to the base and a second target 55 distal from the base. The first target 54 is located 0.1 to 10 centimeters above the base, while the second target 55 is located 125 to 135 centimeters above the base.

The pole 50 is graduated for distance with a series of graduated markings 57 at 1 centimeter intervals and a series of distance graduated numerical indicia 58 generally marked at 5 centimeter intervals starting from the base 52.

The pole 50 comprises a first anchor point 60 for a retractable measuring tape 62. The free end of the tape 62 is coupled to the first anchor point 60 and reach tests are quantified by a subject reaching while holding the housing of the tape 62. The first anchor point 60 is located approximately 130 centimeters above the base 52.

The pole 50 further comprises a second anchor point 64 for a stopwatch 66. The stopwatch 66 is useful to quantify length of time of a held position in a static balance test. The second anchor point 64 is located approximately 70 centimeters above the base 52.

In operation, the mat 5 and the pole 50 co-operate to provide an effective fitness testing system. Tests which primarily use either the mat or the pole may nevertheless benefit from the combination. For example, a reach test of bending to touch the toes while keeping the knees straight is primarily quantified using the graduated markings 57 on the pole 50 or the retractable measuring tape 62. However, the mat 5 is useful to standardize a subject's stance according to the first pair of feet placement reference points 30,30a so that a comparison of the results of the reach test across different time points is not compromised by a changing stance.

Figure 3 shows a use of the mat 5 and the pole 50 to conduct an anterior excursion balance test. For the anterior excursion test a patient stands on the back footprints with the big toe of one foot at the zero mark just outside the center circle. With the hands on waist or by side, the first target of the pole is to be touched by the big toe of the other foot for one second. The maximum distance reached with control is documented. Touching the base nullifies the attempt. An asymmetry of 4 centimeters and/or excessive valgus of the knee may be considered clinically significant.

Many other tests can be conducted with the mat and pole combination. The tests can be grouped based on a type or region of injury / dysfunction.

Foot and Ankle Issues: the following outcome measures may be most appropriate for patients with foot and ankle issues (e.g. chronic ankle instability, post ankle sprains or fractures, etc.):

Single Leg Stance (SLS): Eyes open;

Single Leg Stance (SLS): Eyes closed;

Anterior Excursion (AE) Test;

Postero-Medial Excursion (PME) Test; and

Ankle dorsi-flexion (DF) ROM.

Knee and Hip Issues: the following outcome measures may be most appropriate for patients with knee and hip issues (e.g. post MCL / LCL injuries, Knee or hip OA, iliotibial band syndrome, etc.):

Anterior Excursion (AE) Test;

Postero-Medial Excursion (PME) Test;

Active hip flexion in standing Test;

Active Hip Medial Rotation (MR);

Active Hip Lateral Rotation (LR);

SLS Anterior Reach (AR) Test;

SLS Rotation Reach (RR) at Shoulder Height; and

SLS Rotation Reach (RR) at Ankle Height. Lumbo-pelvic Issues: the following outcome measures may be most appropriate for patients with lumbo-pelvic issues (e.g. acute, sub-acute or chronic back low pain):

Fingertip-to-Floor (FTF) Test;

Over-Head Reach (OHR) Test;

Trunk Rotation (TR) Test;

SLS Anterior Reach (AR) Test;

Active Hip Flexion in standing Test;

Active Hip Medial Rotation (MR);

Active Hip Lateral Rotation (LR);

SLS Rotation Reach (RR) at Shoulder Height;

SLS Rotation Reach (RR) at Ankle Height; and

Straight Leg Raise (SLR) Test.

Risk of Fall: the following outcome measures may be most appropriate for patients with significant mobility, balance or neurological issues (e.g. post stroke, Parkinson's, previous history of falls, etc.):

Single Leg Standing (SLS): Eyes open;

Time Up & Go (TUG) Test;

Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSS) Test; and

Functional Reach (FR) Test.

Table 1 summarizes some of the above listed tests and provides threshold indicators of injury. Table 1 : summary of tests and threshold indicators for outcome measures.

Hip Lateral Rotation (LR) ROM >10° asymmetry

1) Global Trunk Mobility Tests Look for...

Finger tip to Floor (FTF) >10 cm change

Over-head Reach (OHR) >10 cm change

Trunk Rotation (TR) >20° asymmetry

High Level Balance Tests Look for...

SLS Anterior Reach (AR) >10 cm asymmetry

SLS Rotation Reach (RR) at Shoulder Height >20° asymmetry

SLS Rotation Reach (RR) at Ankle Height >20° asymmetry

Risk of Fall Tests Look for...

Time Up & Go (TUG) >14 sec

Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSS) >15 sec

Functional Reach (FR) <25 cm

Other Tests Look for...

Ankle dorsi-flexion (DF) ROM >2 cm asymmetry

Passive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) >10 cm asymmetry

In addition to fitness testing, the mat and pole may be used for training purposes. Either the tests themselves can become the actual exercise (e.g. SLS-AR) or new exercises based on patients' functional goals can be designed. For example a subject may swing a tennis racquet or hold and pretend pass a basketball while lunging along the eight radial lines of the mat.

Methods of using the fitness apparatus are contemplated. For example, a method of conducting a fitness test comprising monitoring a subject's performance in a fitness test using the fitness apparatus. In another example, a method for assessing a subject's risk of injury comprising quantifying a subject's performance in a fitness test using the fitness apparatus, and comparing the performance against a threshold indicator for risk of injury. In still another example, a method for monitoring a subject's recovery from an injury comprising quantifying a subject's performance in a fitness test relevant to the injury using the fitness apparatus and comparing the performance against a previous performance.

A non-limiting embodiment of a physical fitness apparatus comprising a mat and a free-standing pole has been described with reference to the drawings. Non-limiting examples of variants will now be described.

The mat 5 may be produced as a sheet of any desired rigidity ranging from rigid to flexible. A flexible mat may be advantageous for portability as the mat may be folded or rolled on its own or rolled on the pole 50.

The mat 5 may be of any desired shape including, for example, circle, oval, triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon or any polygonal shape as long as the surface area of the mat is sufficient to mark at least three radial lines in a generally Y shape.

The mat may be constructed of any desired material. Typically the top surface of the mat will have a non-slip property. Using the Brungraber Mark II slipmeter in a dry test of the ASTM F1677 standard, the coefficient of friction of the top surface will typically be measured to be greater than 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6 or greater than any number therebetween.

The circular grid 10 may comprise any number of radial lines with any degree of angular separation as desired for quantification of rotational exercises. The minimum number of radial lines is three. At least three radial lines in a Y shape will be marked on the mat. The two upright arms of the Y will have an angular spacing of approximately 90 degrees with a range of 70 to 120 degrees typically being tolerated. While the angular spacing of each of the upright arms of the Y from the base arm of the Y will be approximately 135 degrees with a range of 120 to 145 degrees typically being tolerated.

In variants that include eight major radial lines, the angular separation between the lines need not be exactly 45 degrees. A range of 40 degrees to 50 degrees will typically be tolerated.

In variants that include a plurality of minor radial lines 20, the minor radial lines may typically be marked at intervals ranging from 3 degrees to 10 degrees and may cumulatively cover a rotation ranging from 120 to 360 degrees. The plurality of radial lines may cumulatively cover greater than 120 degrees, 140 degrees, 160 degrees, 180 degrees, 200 degrees, 220 degrees, 240 degrees or greater than any number therebetween.

Graduation of radial distance will typically be marked in centimeter intervals. However, other intervals including, for example, millimeters or inches are contemplated. Typically, the graduation interval will be less than 10 centimeters apart.

The combination of major radial lines 11,14, 16 marked in a Y shape and central circle 40 with feet placement reference points diametrically opposing each of lines 11, 14,16 across central circle 40 allows for a condensed mat surface area. In variants, with a larger surface area the central circle arrangement can be replaced with radial lines marked from a central intersecting point and a single pair of feet placement reference points juxtaposed to the center point.

The pole 50 may vary in length depending on its application. Typically the pole will range from 50 centimeters to 200 centimeters. The pole may be adjustable in length including, for example, pole segments in a telescopic arrangement that are slidably extended and locked in place. Any conventional locking mechanism may be used including a biased pin and hole or a threaded collar. The overall height of the pole will typically be greater than 50 centimeters, 60 centimeters, 70 centimeters, 80 centimeters, 90 centimeters, 100 centimeters, 110 centimeters, 120 centimeters, 130 centimeters or greater than any number therebetween.

The base 52 of pole 50 may be of any construction or shape provided that it allows the pole to be free-standing and vertical to the mat surface. Conventional base designs such as those used in floor lamps or microphone stands may be employed. At least a portion of the base 52 may be transparent in order to facilitate visual inspection of the radial distance graduations of the mat 5. The bottom surface of the base will typically be constructed for reduced friction with the top surface of the mate, for example, with a smooth finish, a coating with a material noted for slipperiness, such as Teflon, or with wheels or rollers.

The pole 50 will typically comprise the first target 54. The first target 54 will typically be located in a range of 0.1 centimeter to 20 centimeters above the base or 2 centimeters to 22 centimeters above the top surface of the mat. For applications involving upper extremities, the pole 50 may further comprise the second target 55. In variants that include the second target 55, it will typically be located in a range of 80 centimeters to 160 centimeters above the base to accommodate a shoulder height of a test subject or a generic (eg. average or median) shoulder height for expected test subjects. The length of the first and second targets will typically range from 3 centimeters to 20 centimeters. The first target and the second target may be made of any material such as paint, polymer films, synthetic or natural fibers, plastics, foams, wood, metals and the like and may be permanently or reversibly coupled to the pole. The first target, the second target or both the first target and the second target may be adjustably coupled to the pole. For example, the first target, the second target or both the first target and the second target may be slidably coupled to the pole so as to be adjustable in their location along the pole. In further examples, the first and/or the second target may be reversibly coupled to various points along the pole using reversible fasteners such as velcro, magnets, removable adhesives or snap-fit buttons.

One or more of the base, the first target or the second target may be equipped with an electronic touch switch/sensor that activates a visual and/or audio signal generating circuit. Capacitance, resistance and piezo are common touch switch types that may be used. A touch sensor on the base may be particularly useful as touching of the base by a test subject is considered as a failed attempt. A non-electronic touch sensor such as a deformable material may also be used. A strip of deformable foam placed on the base may retain the impression of a touch. Other examples of non-electronic touch sensors are pressure or heat sensitive dyes.

In variants that include an anchor point for a retractable measuring tape, the anchor point will typically be located in a range of 80 centimeters to 160 centimeters above the base to accommodate a shoulder height of a test subject or a generic (eg. average or median) shoulder height for expected test subjects. The anchor point may be slidably coupled to the pole so as to be adjustable in its location on the pole. The anchor point may be coupled to the second target.

Still further variants and combinations of variants will be apparent to the person of skill in the art.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fitness apparatus comprising:

a mat comprising a bottom surface, a top surface, three radial lines in a Y shape visible on the top surface, and radial distance graduated markings and numerical indicia; and

a vertical free-standing pole comprising a base for abutting support on the top surface of the mat and a first target located proximal to the base.

2. The fitness apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the three radial lines are of equal length.

3. The fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein the angular spacing of the three radial lines is approximately 90 degrees, 135 degrees, and 135 degrees.

4. The fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein the radial distance graduated markings are located along each of the three radial lines.

5. The fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein the radial distance graduated markings are located adjacent to each of the three radial lines.

6. The fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mat further comprises a plurality of radial lines that cumulatively cover an angular spacing of greater than 180 degrees.

7. The fitness apparatus of claim 6, wherein the plurality of radial lines are marked at angular intervals of approximately 5 degrees.

8. The fitness apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising at least one pair of feet placement reference markings.

9. The fitness apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the top surface of the mat is non-slip.

10. The fitness apparatus of claim 9, wherein the top surface of the mat has a coefficient of friction greater than 0.4.

11. The fitness apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the perimeter of the mat is circular.

12. The fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of the pole is adjustable.

13. The fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of the pole ranges from 50 centimeters to 200 centimeters.

14. The fitness apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first target is located within 0.1 centimeter to 20 centimeters above the base.

15. The fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein the location of the first target is adjustable.

16. The fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pole further comprises a second target located distal from the base.

17. The fitness apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second target is located within 80 centimeters to 160 centimeters above the base.

18. The fitness apparatus of claim 16, wherein the location of the second target is adjustable.

19. The fitness apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the pole further comprises graduated distance markings covering at least 100 centimeters.

20. The fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pole further comprises an anchor point for a retractable measuring tape.

21. The fitness apparatus of claim 20, wherein the anchor point is located above the second target.

22. The fitness apparatus of claim 20, wherein the anchor point is coupled to the second target.

23. The fitness apparatus of claim 20, wherein the location of the anchor point is adjustable.

24. The fitness apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the base is transparent.

25. The fitness apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the base is covered by a non-electronic touch sensor.

26. The fitness apparatus of claim 25, wherein the non-electronic touch sensor is selected from the group consisting of a deformable material, a pressure sensitive dye and a heat sensitive dye.

27. A fitness apparatus comprising:

28. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the eight radial lines are of equal length.

29. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the angular spacing of the eight radial lines is in a range of 40 to 50 degrees.

30. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the radial distance graduated markings are located along at least three radial lines.

31. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the radial distance graduated markings are located adjacent to at least three radial lines.

32. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the mat further comprises a plurality of radial lines that cumulatively cover an angular spacing of greater than 180 degrees.

33. The fitness apparatus of claim 32, wherein the plurality of radial lines are marked at angular intervals ranging from 3 degrees to 10 degrees.

34. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, further comprising at least one pair of feet placement reference markings.

35. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the top surface of the mat is non-slip.

36. The fitness apparatus of claim 35, wherein the top surface of the mat has a coefficient of friction greater than 0.4.

37. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the perimeter of the mat is circular.

38. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the length of the pole is adjustable.

39. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the length of the pole ranges from 50 centimeters to 200 centimeters.

40. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the first target is located within 0.1 centimeter to 20 centimeters above the base.

41. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the location of the first target is adjustable.

42. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the pole further comprises a second target located distal from the base.

43. The fitness apparatus of claim 42, wherein the second target is located within 80 centimeters to 160 centimeters above the base.

44. The fitness apparatus of claim 42, wherein the location of the second target is adjustable.

45. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the pole further comprises graduated distance markings covering at least 100 centimeters.

46. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein the pole further comprises an anchor point for a retractable measuring tape.

47. The fitness apparatus of claim 46, wherein the anchor point is located above the second target.

48. The fitness apparatus of claim 46, wherein the anchor point is coupled to the second target.

49. The fitness apparatus of claim 46, wherein the location of the anchor point is adjustable.

50. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of the base is transparent.

51. The fitness apparatus of claim 27, wherein at least a portion of the base is covered by a non-electronic touch sensor.

52. The fitness apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the non-electronic touch sensor is selected from the group consisting of a deformable material, a pressure sensitive dye and a heat sensitive dye.

53. A method of conducting a fitness test comprising monitoring a subject's performance in a fitness test using the fitness apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 52.

54. A method for assessing a subject's risk of injury comprising quantifying a subject's performance in a fitness test using the fitness apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 52, and comparing the performance against a threshold indicator for risk of injury.

55. A method for monitoring a subject's recovery from an injury comprising quantifying a subject's performance in a fitness test relevant to the injury using the fitness apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 52.