Assessment of physical fitness and its correlates in Chinese children and adolescents in Shanghai using the multistage 20‐M shuttle‐run test

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a multistage 20‐m shuttle‐run test (20‐m SRT) in assessing the physical fitness of Chinese children and adolescents in Shanghai. Methods A total of 4833 children and adolescents (2437 males and 2396 females, aged 7–17 years) were enrolled in this study. Height, weight, body fat percentage, fat‐free mass, BMI, and skinfold thickness were measured or calculated. The participants were randomly grouped for performing the 20‐m SRT. The maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max and VO 2max/kg ) was estimated from the 20‐m SRT using the model of Leger et al. Results All the measured and calculated parameters (age, height, weight, body fat percentage, fat‐free mass, BMI, skinfold thickness, and the results of the 20‐m SRT, as well as the estimated VO 2max and VO2 max/kg ) had significant correlations with each other ( P < .05). The multiple regression analyses indicated that (1) results of the 20‐m SRT were significantly associated with age, sex, height, and fat‐free mass ( P < .05); (2) VO 2max/kg was significantly associated with sex, age, weight, BMI, fat‐free mass, and skinfold thickness ( P < .001); and (3) VO 2max was markedly associated with sex, age, height, weight, BMI, fat‐free mass, and skinfold thickness ( P < .001). There were differences between males and females in the results of multiple regression analyses. Conclusions Results of the 20‐m SRT and the estimated VO 2max and VO 2max/kg from the 20‐m SRT can be used for evaluating the physical fitness of children and adolescents in Shanghai. Gender may be a factor affecting the effectiveness of the 20‐m SRT.