Evaluation of a shallow water running test for the estimation of cardiorespiratory fitness

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Authors
Wehrli, Kenneth Wayne
Advisor
Kaminsky, Leonard A., 1955-
Issue Date
1995
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.S.)
Department
School of Physical Education
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The direct measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (V02 max) has always been the benchmark for the determination of Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). However, the time and expense of that type of testing does not lend itself to students in activity classes or adult fitness participants. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of a 500 yard shallow water run test in determining CRF. A commonly used field test, the 1.5 mile run, was used as a basis for comparison during the 500 yard water run. Subjects in this study included 15 men and 28 women that completed a 1.5 mile run and a 500 yard shallow water run as well as a graded exercise test to fatigue on a treadmill. Correlations between 1.5 mile runs and the 500 yard shallow water run and VO2 peak were -.89 and -.80 respectively. In addition to simple regression analysis, multiple regression analysis was used to significantly improve the prediction of CRF (p<0.05). Peak HR during the 1.5 mile run significantly improved the 1.5 mile run prediction of CRF (R2=0.78 to 0.82) with a reduction in SEE (3.95 to 3.52 ml/kg/min) from the simple regression alone. Percent body fat and subject height improved the 500 yard shallow water runs prediction of CRF (R2=0.62 to 0.86) with a reduction in SEE (5.14 to 3.19 ml/kg/min). In conclusion the 500 yard shallow water run can be used to accurately predict CRF and with the addition of percent body fat and height provide a better prediction of CRF.

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