Development of a field test for evaluating aerobic fitness in middle-aged adults: Validity of a 15-m incremental shuttle walk and run test

The purpose of this study was to develop a standardized and externally paced field test (15-m Incremental Shuttle Walk and Run Test [15mISWRT]),incorporating an incremental and progressive structure,to assess aerobic fitness in middle-aged adults. 68 middle-aged men performed three tests in random order between one to two week intervals: 15-m ISWRT,cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX),and 1500-m fast walk. Variables evaluated were 15-m ISWRT performance (distance completed),VO2max measured by CPX,1500-m fast walk performance (walking time),and HR response in 15-m ISWRT and 1500-m fast walk. Validity of the 15-m ISWRT was tested by comparing the associations among the 15-m ISWRT performance,VO2max and the 1500-m fast walk performance. Changes in HR response during the 15-m ISWRT and the 1500-m fast walk were also compared. Correlations between each variable were as follows: the correlation between 15-m ISWRT performance and VO2max was very high,r = 0.86 (p lt; 0.01),the correlation between the 1500-m fast walk and VO2max was r = -0.51 (p lt; 0.01). HR response during the 15-m ISWRT gently increased initially,whereas HR response during the 1500-m fast walk rapidly increased from the start. In conclusion,our findings indicate that the 15-m ISWRT is valid and safe for evaluating VO2max in middle-aged adults.