The purpose of this paper was to validate the ability of automated devices to measure the velocity of the upper limbs. Thus, 144 students, from 8 to 17 years old, both sexes, participated in the study in a social project in the city of Natal/RN. The Automated Tapping Test (AATT) was developed following the dimensions of the original EUROFIT test, but built out of metal parts, so that the calibration was more accurate and could be read as an electronic signal by the integrated circuit. The upper limb velocity test was applied in three steps: before performing the original test, all participants underwent a laterality check and then motor practice similar to the original test. After 30 minutes, the first step in the pattern established by the EUROFIT test battery was performed and 30 minutes later, the third stage, with the AATT. The measurement reliability of the automated apparatus was tested through intraclass correlations and a strong intraclass interaction coefficient of r = 0.901 was found. In conclusion, the AATT was found to be accurate and efficient as to what it is proposed to evaluate, being able to minimize the intra-evaluator error and to assist professionals in the sports.

Introduction: Test batteries have become indispensable for the assessment of performance, maintenance of health, and motor condition, as this also represents a requirement for learning specific skills. Objective: Comparing the performance in different stages of the upper limb velocity test at different maturation stages in children and adolescents. Methods: 91 children and adolescents of both sexes, aged 8 to 14 years, participated in the study. Bone age, anthropometric, and upper limb velocity assessments were executed. A Mixed Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to verify the interaction effect [3 (conditions) x 3 (times)] on the upper limb velocity test phases at different maturation stages. Results: The accelerated stage showed the best performance in all stages of the upper limb velocity test, while for the total performance the delayed group had the lowest achievement. Conclusion: The data indicate that individuals who are in an accelerated maturation stage perform better in the upper limb velocity test than their peers in regular and delayed stages, although the test development curve is similar for all stages.Keywords: anthropometry, child, adolescent, exercise.