title: A prediction equation to estimate the maximum oxygen uptake of school-age girls from kolkata, India.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The 20-metre multistage shuttle run test is a useful method for the regular monitoring of aerobic fitness. However, the validity of the test should be established in the particular population prior to application. The aim of the study was to validate the applicability of the 20-metre multistage shuttle run test in non-athlete, girls from Kolkata, India.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-six untrained girls from different schools in Kolkata (age range 14-16 years) were recruited for the study. Direct estimation of cardiorespiratory endurance (VO(2)max) comprised treadmill exercise followed by expired gas analysis using Scholander micro-gas analyser. VO(2)max was indirectly predicted by the 20-metre multistage shuttle run test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The difference between the mean (SD) VO(2)max values of the direct measurement, 32.91 (2.66) ml·kg(-1)·min(-1), and the 20-metre multistage shuttle run test, 33.79 (2.56) ml·kg(-1)·min(-1), was statistically significant (P < 0.01). However, limits of agreement analysis suggested that the 20-metre multistage shuttle run test can be applied for use with the studied population. Intra-class correlation coefficients also suggested good reliability of the 20-metre multistage shuttle run data.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that the use of the 20-metre multistage shuttle run test for the prediction of VO(2)max is justified in the studied population. For better prediction of VO(2)max, a new equation has been developed based on the present data for untrained girls from Kolkata.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Sudha Rustagi College of Dental Sciences & Research, Faridabad, 121001, Haryana, India.
authors.forename: Pinaki
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chatterjee
authors.forename: Alok K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Banerjee
authors.forename: Paulomi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Das