Criterion-related validity of the one-mile run/walk test in children aged 8–17 years

Abstract

We assessed the criterion-related validity of Cureton's equation for estimating peak oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O_2peak) from the one-mile run/walk test in endurance-trained children aged 8–17 years. Altogether, 66 physically active white children and adolescents (32 girls, 34 boys) completed a graded exercise test to volitional exhaustion and the one-mile run/walk test. Cureton's equation was used to estimate [Vdot]O_2peak, and was assessed using several error measures. Agreement between measured [Vdot]O_2peak and estimated [Vdot]O_2peak was analysed by the Bland and Altman method. The correlation coefficient between measured [Vdot]O_2peak and one-mile run/walk time was −0.59 (P < 0.001) and that between measured and estimated [Vdot]O_2peak was 0.70 (P < 0.001). The mean difference between measured and estimated [Vdot]O_2peak was 10 ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹ (95% CI = 9.2–11.8; P < 0.001). The standard error of the estimate was 3 ml · kg⁻¹ · min⁻¹, and the percentage error was 32%. There was a positive association between the measured and estimated [Vdot]O_2peak difference and the measured and estimated [Vdot]O_2peak mean, which indicates that the higher the [Vdot]O_2peak the higher the error of the estimate. These findings did not change markedly when the analyses were performed by sex, age group or body mass status. These results suggest that Cureton's equation systematically underestimates [Vdot]O_2peak in endurance-trained children with high [Vdot]O_2peak.

Keywords:

• Criterion-related validity
• cardiopulmonary fitness
• one-mile test
• children
• Bland-Altman

Acknowledgements

The study was funded by Centro Andaluz de Medicina del Deporte, Junta de Andalucía, Orden 4/02/05, BOJA n° 37 (Ref. JA-CTD2005-01), the Spanish Ministry of Education (EX-2007-1124), and the European Union, in the framework of the Public Health Programme (ALPHA project, Ref: 2006120).