Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is FITNESSGRAM?

A: FITNESSGRAM is a health-related physical fitness assessment and computerized reporting system. It was developed in 1982 by leading scientists in physical activity and fitness assessment at The Cooper Institute in Dallas, Texas. It is the assessment component and complement to the Physical Best program.

Q: What distinguishes FITNESSGRAM from other fitness assessments?

A: FITNESSGRAM uses objective criterion standards to evaluate fitness performance rather using norms. These standards have been set to indicate levels of fitness necessary for good health and are established for each age and gender. FITNESSGRAM also does not include assessment items that are more related to skill and athletic performance. Lastly, the software application produces very attractive reports for parents to communicate the results of the assessments.

Q: What is ACTIVITYGRAM?

A: ACTIVITYGRAM is a three-day recall of physical activity. It assesses each 30-minute block of time between the hours of 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM. An individualized report is also available for the physical activity assessment.

Q: What is assessed with the ACTIVITYGRAM?

A: Students are asked to enter three pieces of information about each activity: Type and Name of Activity, Intensity of Activity, and Length of Activity.

The ACTIVTYGRAM report includes infomration regarding the facets of a student's activity level including: total number of minutes of activity, activity patterns throughout the day, and type of activities performed as classified by the Activity Pyramid.

Q: Why should I use ACTIVITYGRAM with my students?

A: The ACTIVITYGRAM report focuses the attention of the student and parent on the student’s actual level of physical activity. The most important health message that students must learn in physical education is that doing physical activity almost daily is very important to health. Completing the ACTIVITYGRAM assessment helps to communicate that message.

Q: What is included in the computer software?

A: The FITNESSGRAM software application contains three modules: the FITNESSGRAM assessment, the ACTIVITYGRAM assessment, and an Activity Log. An individualized report can be produced for each assessment as well as a number of other data management reports for teachers. The current version of the software is version 8.0. Comprehensive information, including pricing, is available at: www.fitnessgram.net.