An Investigation of the Relationship between Maximum Aerobic work Capacity and Physical Fitness in Twelve- to Fifteen-Year-Old Boys

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between maximum work capacity and physical fitness items from the AAHPER Youth Fitness Test, the McCloy Strength Test, and the Harvard Step Test. Sixty boys, ranging in age from 12 to 15 years, were each given the three fitness tests and a series of treadmill tests designed to elicit maximal oxygen intake. Data were treated by simple linear correlation-regression analysis and by stepwise multiple correlation-regression analysis to obtain correlation coefficients between the various fitness variables and maximal oxygen intake, and to obtain regression equations for estimating maximal oxygen intake. The .05 level was used to determine the significance of the correlation coefficients. Acceptable regression equations for estimating maximal oxygen intake required a multiple correlation coefficient equal to or larger than .700. For boys 12 to 13 years of age, all items of the AAHPER Youth Fitness Test, except sit-ups, were significantly related to maximal oxygen intake. For 14- to 15-year-old boys all items but sit-ups, softball throw, and 600-yd. run-walk were significantly related to maximal oxygen intake, as were pull-ups, dips, and right grip strength from the McCloy Strength Test, and the Harvard Step Test Score. Maximal oxygen intake was significantly estimated (R = .777; S.E. of Pred. = ± 3.055) from raw scores of the AAHPER Youth Fitness Test for the younger boys. These regression equations did not cross validate when applied to the 14- to 15-year-old group.