• Exercise Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.1-11
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate regression models to estimate maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) from the 20 m Progressive Shuttle Run Test (20 m PSRT) in Korean middle-school girls aged 13-15 years. The 20 m PSRT and VO₂max were assessed in a sample of 194 participants. The sample was randomly split into validation (n=127) and test-retest reliability (n=99, 32 out of 127 participants also performed validity test) groups. 127 participants performed a graded exercise test (GXT, stationary gas analyser) and the 20 m PSRT (portable gas analyser) once to develop a VO₂max prediction model and to analyze the validity of the modified 20 m PSRT protocol (starting at 7.5 km/h and increasing by 0.5 km/h every 1 min). 99 participants performed the 20 m PSRT twice for test-retest reliability purpose. Mean measured VO₂max (39.2±5.1 ml/kg/min) from the potable gas analyzer was significantly increased from that measured during the GXT from stationary gas analyzer (37.7±5.7 ml/kg/min, p=.001) using the modified 20 m PSRT protocol. But it was a narrow range (1.5 ml/kg/min). The measured VO₂max from the potable and stationary gas analyzers correlated at r=.88(p<.001). Test-retest of the 20 m PSRT yielded comparable results (Laps r=.88 & final speed r=.85). New regression equations were developed from present data to predict VO₂max for middle-school girls: y=.231×Laps-.311×weight(in kg)+46.201 (r=.74, SEE=4.29 ml/kg/min). It is concluded that (a) the modified 20 m PSRT protocol is a valid and reliable test and (b) this equation developed in this study provides valid estimates of VO₂max of Korean middle-school girl aged 13-15 years.