Objective
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.
Methods
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.
Conclusions
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.