A device and method to test the level of physical effort of an individual is disclosed. The device has a moveable member which may be a shaft, a sensor for measuring force applied to the shaft; and a resistance means to vary the resistance to movement of the moveable member such as an electric brake. The relationship between the varied resistive force applied to the moveable member and the measured force may be determined to establish the level of effort of the user. Typically the resistance will be rapidly varied at a rate of five to ten times per second which is too quick for a person being tested and providing a sub-maximal effort, to sense a change in resistance and compensate for that change.