Estimation of aerobic fitness from PACER performance with and without body mass index |
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| Authors: | Matthew T Mahar Gregory J Welk David A Rowe |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA;2. Department of Kinesiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA;3. School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland |
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| Abstract: | Purpose: To develop models to estimate aerobic fitness (VO2max) from PACER performance in 10- to 18-year-old youth, with and without body mass index (BMI) as a predictor. Method: Youth (N = 280) completed the PACER and a maximal treadmill test to assess VO2max. Validation and cross-validation groups were randomly formed to develop and examine accuracy of models. Participants were classified into FitnessGram® Healthy Fitness Zone categories based on measured and estimated VO2max and criterion-referenced validity was evaluated. Results: Multiple correlations between measured and estimated VO2max ranged from .70 to .73, with standard errors of estimate between 6.43 and 6.68 mL·kg?1·min?1. Accuracy with and without BMI was nearly identical. Overall, criterion-referenced validity evidence was moderate. Conclusion: Moderately accurate and feasible models were developed. Minimal improvement in accuracy was noted when BMI was added as a predictor. The model with PACER and age as predictors has a high level of utility for youth fitness testing. |
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| Keywords: | Aerobic fitness 20-m shuttle run field test FitnessGram youth fitness |
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