What is Human Performance Testing?

Performance is defined as ‘the action or process of performing a task or function’ – Oxford Languages, 2026.

As humans, we perform a number of tasks and functions in our day-to-day life, but are we completing them effectively and efficiently?
When at school, we learn things, like Maths and English, and complete frequent tests to provide a track of how we are improving, and areas that need more work.

In life, we learn how to use equipment in the gym, become familiar with our own bodies, and learn different sports, but rarely do we conduct frequent tests to provide a track of how we are actually performing.
Human performance testing is that frequent testing of the human’s ability to perform.

From general health (e.g. blood pressure, body fat, posture), to how we move (e.g. functional movement), to fitness elements (e.g. strength, power, acceleration), assessments do exist and should be utilised more frequently to ensure we are using our bodies most efficiently and effectively.

Who can be tested?

GlobalScout’s testing services are for everyone!

For a long time, testing and assessment has been expensive and only available for elite athletes. Not anymore.

With a redefined method of delivery, GlobalScout is proud to provide the service to all individuals, of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. With experience ranging from the local gym and sports clubs, to remote locations across various countries, to wheelchair sports players, to corporate office staff, everyone is welcome.

Why test at all?

If you were to get injured tomorrow, would you know exactly what you were capable of today and know exactly when you were back at that level or performance? Could you put an exact objective number on it? If the answer is no, then you have a reason for testing.

Do you know how much you have improved over the last few months? Could you put an objective number on it? If the answer is no, then you have a reason for testing.

Do you know how much your performance has declined since you stopped going to the gym or playing sport? Could you put an objective number on it? If the answer is no, you have a reason for testing.

Do you know exactly how good your strengths are, or whether your weaknesses could cause you an injury? Could you put an exact objective number on it? If no, then you have a reason for testing.

So why test at all?

• Establish a baseline level
• Measure improvement over time
• Quantify decline after injury or missed training
• Identify when you have returned to pre-injury level
• Prevent injury by pinpointing weakness

How frequently should I assess?

Assessment frequency is dependent on your what and why, however as a general rule of thumb, 8-12 weeks is a sufficient re-test time frame.

In a general health or gym program context, this is 4-5 assessments a year, and allows time for change to occur and new habits to form between assessments.

In a sport season context, this equates to assessment in early pre-season, re-assessment at the start of the season, and mid-season re-assessment, providing relevant milestones.

Assessing too frequently results in data for data’s sake, and may highlight slight changes, but not long-term adaptations.

What testing is available?

– Body Composition
– 3D Anthropometry & Posture
– Acceleration, Agility & Performance
– 3D Functional Movement
– Range of Motion
– Limb Performance & Analysis
– Power & Balance
– Grip Strength & Asymmetry
– Cognition & Concussion Tracking
– Reaction
– GPS Monitoring
– Data Analytics & Reporting

Please note – if the service you require is not listed above, reach out, let us know what you are looking for, and we will work with you to find a solution.