Assessment of physical fitness and its correlates in Chinese children and adolescents in Shanghai using the multistage 20-M shuttle-run test.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multistage 20-m shuttle-run test (20-m SRT) in assessing the physical fitness of Chinese children and adolescents in Shanghai. A total of 4833 children and adolescents (2437 males and 2396 females, aged 7-17 years) were enrolled in this study. Height, weight, body fat percentage, fat-free mass, BMI, and skinfold thickness were measured or calculated. The participants were randomly grouped for performing the 20-m SRT. The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max and VO2max/kg ) was estimated from the 20-m SRT using the model of Leger et al. RESULTS: All the measured and calculated parameters (age, height, weight, body fat percentage, fat-free mass, BMI, skinfold thickness, and the results of the 20-m SRT, as well as the estimated VO2max and VO2max/kg ) had significant correlations with each other (P < .05). The multiple regression analyses indicated that (1) results of the 20-m SRT were significantly associated with age, sex, height, and fat-free mass (P < .05); (2) VO2max/kg was significantly associated with sex, age, weight, BMI, fat-free mass, and skinfold thickness (P < .001); and (3) VO2max was markedly associated with sex, age, height, weight, BMI, fat-free mass, and skinfold thickness (P < .001). There were differences between males and females in the results of multiple regression analyses. Results of the 20-m SRT and the estimated VO2max and VO2max/kg from the 20-m SRT can be used for evaluating the physical fitness of children and adolescents in Shanghai. Gender may be a factor affecting the effectiveness of the 20-m SRT.