Abstract:
Graded exercise tolerance testing can be used to measure overall fitness, but this technique requires laboratory facilities which are frequently unavailable or costly. Various field tests were assessed to determine which tests were the best predictors of maximal V02. Twenty-two subjects were evaluated on performance of each trial, using previously documented criteria for each test. All participants were given a maximal exercise tolerance test. The mean values for females was 47.6 ml/kg min. + 2.8(X + SD), and for males was 54.1 ml/kg min. + 5.4(X + SD). The field tests were separated into categories representing running, strength, agility, and cardiorespiratory events. Using multiple regression analysis, with ml/kg min. as the independent variable, the two mile run was an effective predictor of maximal V02 for men (78%) and for women (70%). For strength events the long arm hang was a significant predictor for both men and women (65%). For cardiorespiratory events the two mile run and the Harvard step test were significant for men (88%). Using the Pearson correlation coefficients, with ml/kg min. as the independent variable the 220 yard run was a significant event (70%), the one and one half mile run was a good predictor (78%), and so was the two mile run (81%). The test that consistently appeared to be the best predictor of maximal V02 was the two mile run.