Validity of the multistage fitness test to predict aerobic fitness in female adults and pre-pubescent girls

Abstract

The present study assessed maximal oxygen uptake during the Multistage Fitness Test (MSFT) and treadmill procedure. Maximal oxygen uptake was calculated by using predictive equations (Leger et al., 1988; Ramsbottom et al., 1988; Barnett et al., 1993) and was directly measured by using a portable gas analyser. This was achieved to validate the use of predictive equations to estimate maximal oxygen uptake from the MSFT within adult females and pre-pubescent girls. The MSFT and treadmill tests were performed by 10 adult females (age 20.9 ± 6.37 years; height 163.7 cm ± 49.8; mass 56.6 kg ± 17.7) and 5 pre-pubescent children (age 10.8 ± 0.8; height 147.9 cm ± 5.2; mass 37.6 kg ± 3.30; maturity offset - 0.85 years ± 0.66) all of which were regularly engaged in sport. During these tests maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate and respiratory exchange ratio were measured. Pearson’s correlation and Bland-Altman tests were used to analyse the data. Results show predicted and recorded MSFT scores to produce significant positive correlations within both age categories (Adult P=0.000; R2=0.50; Child- Leger et al., 1988 P= 0.001 and R2=0.55; Child- Barnett et al., 1993 P= 0.004 and R2=0.75). The two tests also produced a strong correlation for both age groups (Adult P= 0.22; R2=0.50; child P=0.62; R2=0.04). The accuracy of the predictive equation used, varied considerably when calculating maximal oxygen uptake from the MSFT. The bias varied from -11.4ml.kg.min-1 (Ramsbottom et al., 1988) to 9.27ml.kg.min-1 (Leger et al., (1988). Results suggest the MSFT is a valid predictor of maximal oxygen uptake within adult females and pre-pubescent girls. Future research must carefully consider which predictive equation is most relevant for the participants they are testing.