Criterion-referenced Equivalence Between The 1-mile Run/walk And Pacer In High School Students

Abstract

FITTNESSGRAM criterion-referenced standards (CRS) were developed to represent minimal levels (pass/fail status) of fitness that corresponds with satisfactory levels of health. The FITTNESSGRAM test manual offers two tests of cardiorespiratory fitness: the 1-mile run/walk (MRW) and PACER. Prior investigation into the equivalence reliability of CRS (Mahar et al., 1997) indicates that the MRW and PACER CRS are equivalent with males but not with females (10 to 11 yrs). Examination of CRS equivalence reliability of the two tests with adolescents has yet to be conducted. PURPOSE To determine the CRS equivalent reliability of the MRW and PACER in high school adolescents (13–18 yrs). METHODS Ninety-seven boys (15.5±1.3 yrs) and 56 girls (15.0±1.2 yrs) completed two trials of the MRW and PACER, respectively. The best time on the MRW and highest number of completed laps on the PACER were used to compute CRS equivalency reliability using proportion of agreement (Pa) and Kappa statistics (k-value, degree of concordance or consistency of classification). RESULTS CRS equivalency indicated that Pa of students classified the same on both tests was 72% and 77% for males and females, respectively. Kappa statistics revealed moderate classification consistency between tests for males (k-value = 0.44) and females (k-value = 0.54). CONCLUSION The Pa indicates that 28% of the males and 22% of the females were classified as passing one test and failing the other. The k-value indicated that the consistency of classification was moderate, suggesting the two tests could provide inconsistent feedback regarding the cardiorespiratory fitness of adolescents. Practitioners may consider selecting the MRW or PACER based on other features, such as ease of administration and comparative use of the literature.