Field-based fitness assessment in young people: the ALPHA health-related fitness test battery for children and adolescents

Abstract

The present study summarises the work developed by the ALPHA (Assessing Levels of Physical Activity) study and describes the procedures followed to select the tests included in the ALPHA health-related fitness test battery for children and adolescents. The authors reviewed physical fitness and health in youth findings from cross-sectional studies. The authors also performed three systematic reviews dealing with (1) the predictive validity of health-related fitness, (2) the criterion validity of field-based fitness tests and (3) the reliability of field-based fitness tests in youth. The authors also carried out 11-methodological studies to determine the criterion validity and the reliability of several field-based fitness tests for youth. Finally, the authors performed a study in the school setting to examine the reliability, feasibility and safety of the selected tests. The selected fitness tests were (1) the 20 m shuttle run test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness; (2) the handgrip strength and (3) standing broad jump to assess musculoskeletal fitness, and (4) body mass index, (5) skinfold thickness and (5) waist circumference to assess body composition. When there are time limits, the authors propose the high-priority ALPHA health-related fitness test battery, which comprises all the evidence-based fitness tests except the measurement of the skinfold thickness. The time required to administer this battery to a group of 20 youth by one physical education teacher is less than 2 h. In conclusion, the ALPHA fitness tests battery is valid, reliable, feasible and safe for the assessment of health-related physical fitness in children and adolescents to be used for health monitoring purposes at population level.

The Relationship between Socioeconomic Status, Family Income, and Measures of Muscular and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Colombian Schoolchildren

“…The test protocols used are appropriate for use in this age group in and have acceptable levels of validity 8 and reliability. 9 We used standing long-jump (Jump) to assess lower body muscular fitness.…”

Association between cardiorespiratory fitness and body fat in girls

“…Although further studies are needed to better elucidate the association between low cardiorespiratory fitness and economic level, this study promotes the search for evidence about the factors that affect the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and body fat. Second, we highlight the use of the most adequate field test to measure cardiorespiratory fitness 1. Finally, the results observed in a representative sample of children are relevant for the preparation of effective health promotion measures aimed at reducing body fat and improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness levels in female adolescents.…”

“…Cardiorespiratory fitness is considered an important marker of health since childhood and adolescence 1. It is defined as the capacity of the circulatory and respiratory systems to supply oxygen to the muscles during exercise of moderate to high intensity and involves large muscle groups for long periods of time 2…”

Physical fitness among 6th grade students and evaluation with the normative reference values

“…Speed of running was evaluated as skill-related physical ability. Physical fitness tests based on ALPHA fitness program were applied [17]. For evaluation of cardiorespiratory endurance, 20 m shuttle run test was used [19].…”

“…Physical abilities can be divided as health-related and skill-related [1]. Physical activity and physical abilities are closely associated with the level of health-related fitness components: cardiorespiratory endurance, muscle strength and endurance, flexibility and body composition, which are important in coping with daily activities and help to prevent chronical diseases [17]. Skill-related physical abilities as balance, coordination, speed of movements, speed of reaction, power and speed of locomotion are associated with motor competence [7].…”