Validation of 1600-M Run as a Predictor of VO2max in Singapore Children Aged 10-22 Years

Abstract

0468 PURPOSE: To determine the validities of the 1600-m run test and several anthropometric variables measurements for predicting VO2max of Singapore children aged 10–12 years. METHODS: 20 untrained subjects, 15 boys and 5 girls participated in a 1600-m run test, which was administered using standardized instructions following procedures typically employed in National Physical Fitness Award (NAPFA) fitness testing in the schools in Singapore. HR was monitored using the Polar Vantage XL HR monitor during the test and running time was recorded using a Citizen stopwatch. Five days before the 1600-m run test, VO2max was measured by using Quinton Metabolic Cart, body weight (to the nearest 0.1 kg) was measured by using Metler Electronic Scale, body height (to the nearest 0.01 m) was measured by using wall-mounted Harpenden Stadiometer, and skinfold thickness over four sites (biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac) were measured by using Holtain Calipers to the nearest 0.2 mm. RESULTS: A weak correlation of −0.398 (p>0.10) was found between VO2max and 1600-m run time. The regressions equations that best predict VO2max in this study are VO2max (ml/kg/min) = 79.9 – 16.6 (height, m) – 0.443 (triceps thickness, mm) −0.902 (subscapular thickness, mm) + 0.358 (suprailiac thickness, mm) (R2 = 0.864, SEE = 2.189, p<0.05) VO2max (ml/kg/min) = 61.8 – 0.212 (weight, kg) −0.425 (triceps thickness, mm) −0.667 (subscapular thickness, mm) + 0.315 (suprailiac thickness, mm) (R2 = 0.857, SEE = 2.248, p<0.05) CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that three skinfold sites (triceps, subscapular and suprailiac), height and weight are better predictors of VO2max than the 1600-m run test for children in Singapore. Sponsored by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.