Expert: Estonia lacks a comprehensive system for assessing physical abilities
Various physical ability tests exist in Estonia, but they are not unified, hindering health monitoring. Experts call for a voluntary, standardized solution that combines testing, recommendations, and physical literacy principles.
Despite numerous available tests and resources, Estonia has not established a unified state system for assessing physical abilities, says expert Epp Jalakas. He emphasizes that the problem is not a lack of tests, but their dispersion across different platforms, preventing individuals from getting a comprehensive view of their physical condition.
International experience offers successful examples. The European Fitback system allows comparing young people's physical abilities with age norms and provides feedback based on health zones. Finland's state testing system for schoolchildren helps develop independent care for physical abilities while providing data for policy-making. Hungary's NETFIT system enables tracking changes over time. There is also the Gymnathlon program, which emphasizes playfulness and comprehensive development.
In Estonia, several resources already exist: the Physical Activity Competence Centre website offers a physical ability calculator, the Sport EST cluster website provides test examples and methodological materials, and the Trimm.ee portal contains simple self-tests. The Defense Forces use the Spordivägi app, which combines test results with training recommendations. In 2025, the National Institute for Health Development (TAI) published updated national recommendations on nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and screen time, integrating them into a coherent whole.
A TAI review on behavioral theories indicates that general advertising or frightening statistics do not always change behavior. Clear explanations, realistic goals, and achievable steps are more effective. The "School Inviting to Move" program shows good results in motivating children and youth to be more active. The Physical Activity Competence Centre brings together knowledge and action plans to promote lifelong physical activity.
The main question, according to Jalakas, is not whether to test or not, but how to combine existing test results, recommendations, and scientific work. Estonia needs a voluntary, standardized, and easy-to-use solution that integrates testing options, state health recommendations, and physical literacy principles. Such a system would help people assess their condition, determine next steps, and care for their health long-term. Jalakas notes that artificial intelligence could assist teachers and coaches in interpreting results, personalizing recommendations, and tracking progress.
