ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To analyze the criterion-related validity and the reliability of fitness field tests for evaluating cardiorespiratory fitness in adults, by sex, age, and physical activity level. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. METHODS: During 3â¯weeks, sociodemographic, anthropometric measurements, a treadmill maximal test, the 2-km walk test, and the 20-m SRT were performed in 410 adults aged 18-64â¯years. Measured and estimated VO2max (by Oja's and Leger's equations) were analyzed. RESULTS: Measured VO2max was associated with estimated VO2max by the 2-km walk test and 20-m SRT (râ¯=â¯0.784 and râ¯=â¯0.875, respectively; both pâ¯<â¯0.01). Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference of -0.30â¯ml* kg-1 * min-1 (pâ¯<â¯0.001, dâ¯=â¯-0.141) in the 2-km walk test, and 0.86â¯ml* kg-1 * min-1 (pâ¯=â¯0.051) in the 20-m SRT. Significant mean differences between test and retest were found in the time to complete the 2-km walk test (-1.48⯱â¯0.51â¯s, pâ¯=â¯0.004, dâ¯=â¯-0.014) and in the final stage reached in the 20-m SRT (0.04⯱â¯0.01, pâ¯=â¯0.002, dâ¯=â¯0.015). Non-significant differences were found between test and retest in the estimated VO2max by Oja's (-0.29⯱â¯0.20â¯ml* kg-1 * min-1, pâ¯>â¯0.05) and Leger's eqs. (0.03⯱â¯0.04â¯ml* kg-1 * min-1, pâ¯>â¯0.05). Moreover, both test results and estimated VO2max equations showed a high test-retest reliability. CONCLUSIONS: Both tests were valid and reliable for evaluating cardiorespiratory fitness in adults aged 18-64â¯years, regardless of sex, age, and physical activity level.