Physical Performance Testing For Entry-level Undergraduate Turkish Physical Education Students

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Physical performance testing is required in Turkey on entry to undergraduate study in physical education (PE). However, there is no standard test battery across academic institutions. PURPOSE: This investigation compared a laboratory cardiorespiratory (CR) fitness evaluation with field testing in a convenient group of first year students at an accredited undergraduate PE program. METHODS: Twelve apparently healthy athletic male undergraduate PE students (mean age=19.5, SD=1.5) individually performed laboratory cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), the Cooper 12-minute Run (C12RT) and the Shuttle Run (SRT) field tests one week apart. Body composition including detailed segmental analysis was also assessed with a Full Body BIA Analyzer. RESULTS: The mean CPET V02 max was 64.21 ml/kg/min (SD=7.3) with a superior age-gender fitness classification (>55 ml/kg/min; >95th percentile). Both the C12RT (Mean=59.54 ml/kg/min, SD =7.1) and SRT (Mean=60.67 ml/kg/min, SD=3.8) correlated with CPET (p<0.05). The mean Mass of Body Fat and Body Fat% was 10.9, SD=2.4, and 16%, SD= 2.8 respectively. The mean Lean Body Mass was 56.76 kg, SD=6.8. CONCLUSIONS: The field tests were valid and practical methods of measuring CR fitness in this sample group. Future Directions: PE teachers can positively influence students by modeling an active lifestyle to promote physical fitness. The identification of an approved comprehensive physical performance test battery for PE programs in Turkey may provide an opportunity for benchmarking across academic institutions.