SUMMARY
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study was to analyze the validity and provide normative values for the three-min shuttle run test in Spanish preschoolers.
METHODS:
A total of 497 children (mean age 4.83±0.57 years; 47.8% girls) performed the three-min shuttle run test. Posttest body mass index and heart rate values were taken as internal validity indicators.
RESULTS:
Age- and sex-specific percentiles for cardiorespiratory fitness were provided. Boys performed better than girls in the test. A significant association was observed between the total distance covered and heart rate (p=0.002). No correlation was found between body mass index and the test score, although the total distance covered by normal weight and obese children was significantly different (296.9 versus. 271.3 m; p=0.013).
CONCLUSIONS:
This study provides age- and sex-specific cardiorespiratory fitness normative values for the three-min shuttle run test when performed by Spanish preschoolers. This test is an interesting option when the lack of resources limits the measurement of cardiorespiratory fitness in the preschool setting.
KEYWORDS:
Reference values; Cardiorespiratory fitness; Children; Spain
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