Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the reproducibility and utility of a
standardised and externally paced field test (15-m Incremental Shuttle Walk and Run
Test [15 mISWRT]) to assess aerobic fitness in middle-aged adults. 14 middle-aged
participants performed the 15-m ISWRT 3 times within one week (Test 1, Test 2, Test
3). Reproducibility of the 15-m ISWRT was tested by comparing 15-m ISWRT performance
(distance completed), HRmax, and V˙O2max for each test. The utility of the 15-m ISWRT for evaluating V˙O2max over a wide range in middle-aged adults was tested by comparing the range of V˙O2max obtained from the portable expired gas analyzer with the V˙O2max reference values and ranges for health promotion published by Japan’s Ministry of
Health, Labour and Welfare. A multiple comparison of distance completed in the 15-m
ISWRT Test 1, Test 2, and Test 3 found no significant difference between Test 2 and
Test 3. The ICC was 0.99 for Test 2 vs. Test 3. V˙O2max measured from the 15-m ISWRT in Test 3 had a minimum value of 22.8 ml/kg/min and
a maximum value of 38.7 ml/kg/min. In conclusion, the 15-m ISWRT is reliable and useful
for evaluating V˙O2max in middle-aged adults.
Key words
maximal oxygen uptake - portable expired gas analyzer - reproducibility - utility
- shuttle walking test - middle-aged adults
