Abstract
We comprehensively assessed the criterion-related validity of existing field-based fitness tests used to indicate adult health (19–64 years, with no known pathologies). The medical electronic databases MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Web of Science (all databases) were screened for studies published up to July 2020. Each original study’s methodological quality was classified as high, low and very low, according to the number of participants, the description of the study population, statistical analysis and systematic reviews which were appraised via the AMSTAR rating scale. Three evidence levels were constructed (strong, moderate and limited evidence) according to the number of studies and the consistency of the findings. We identified 101 original studies (50 of high quality) and five systematic reviews examining the criterion-related validity of field-based fitness tests in adults. Strong evidence indicated that the 20 m shuttle run, 1.5-mile, 12 min run/walk, YMCA step, 2 km walk and 6 min walk test are valid for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness; the handgrip strength test is valid for assessing hand maximal isometric strength; and the Biering–Sørensen test to evaluate the endurance strength of hip and back muscles; however, the sit-and reach test, and its different versions, and the toe-to-touch test are not valid for assessing hamstring and lower back flexibility. We found moderate evidence supporting that the 20 m square shuttle run test is a valid test for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness. Other field-based fitness tests presented limited evidence, mainly due to few studies. We developed an evidence-based proposal of the most valid field-based fitness tests in healthy adults aged 19–64 years old.
Highlights
Physical fitness is an integrated measure of all the functions and structures involved in performing physical activity [1]
Cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely associated with cardiovascular diseases [2], obesity [3], osteoporosis [4] diabetes [5], different cancer types [6,7], and is a predictor of all-cause of mortality [8,9,10,11,12] and cardiovascular disease [10,12,13,14,15]
The aim of the present systematic review was to comprehensively study the criterion-related validity of the existing field-based fitness tests used in adults
Summary
Physical fitness is an integrated measure of all the functions and structures involved in performing physical activity [1]. Cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely associated with cardiovascular diseases [2], obesity [3], osteoporosis [4] diabetes [5], different cancer types [6,7], and is a predictor of all-cause of mortality [8,9,10,11,12] and cardiovascular disease [10,12,13,14,15]. Muscular strength demonstrates a protective effect against all-cause mortality [21,22]; and is inversely associated with weight gain and adiposity-related hypertension occurrence and the prevalence and incidence of the metabolic syndrome, [22] and mental health clinical presentations [23,24].
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