Evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness using three field tests in obese adolescents: validity, sensitivity and prediction of peak VO2.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness in obese adolescents is necessary to develop personalised retraining programmes. We aimed to measure cardiorespiratory fitness using 3 field tests, and to evaluate their validity and sensitivity compared to values obtained by laboratory tests.


METHODS
Longitudinal interventional study in obese adolescents admitted to a rehabilitation centre for a 9-month programme of obesity management.


METHODS
A 12-min walk/run test, an adapted 20 m shuttle walk-run test (starting speed 4 km h(-1), increments of 0.5 km h(-1)min(-1)) and a 4-level submaximal cycle ergometer test were performed to estimate respectively distance covered in 12 min, maximum speed and maximal aerobic power.


RESULTS
Thirty adolescents aged 14.2 ± 1.6 years were included. After 9 months intervention, we observed a significant reduction in body mass index, and an increase in peak VO2 and field test results. We observed significant correlations between pre- and post-intervention values of peak VO2 and distance covered in 12 min (r=0.70 pre; r=0.82 post), maximum speed (r=0.80 pre; r=0.83 post) and maximal aerobic power (r=0.71 pre; r=0.84 post). Multiple linear regression made it possible to estimate peak VO2 based on results from the 3 field tests using prediction equations specific to a population of obese adolescents.


CONCLUSIONS
These field tests, including the adapted 20 m shuttle walk-run test, adequately assess cardiorespiratory fitness in obese adolescents, and are sensitive to changes over time. Predictive equations including BMI are useful in clinical practice to predict peak VO2 in these patients.
Laboratory of Prognostic Marker and Regulatory Factor of Cardiovascular Disease, IFR 133, University of Franche-Comte, France; Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Besançon, France. Electronic address: s.quinart@free.fr.
Sylvain
S
Quinart
Laboratory of Prognostic Marker and Regulatory Factor of Cardiovascular Disease, IFR 133, University of Franche-Comte, France; Sport Science University, University of Franche-Comte, France.
Fabienne
F
Mougin
Physiology Functional Explorations, University Hospital of Besançon, France.
Marie-Laure
ML
Simon-Rigaud
Childhood Obesity Rehabilitation Centre "La Beline" of Salins les Bains, France.
Marie
M
Nicolet-Guénat
Pediatric Obesity Prevention and Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital of Besançon, France.
Véronique
V
Nègre
Laboratory of Prognostic Marker and Regulatory Factor of Cardiovascular Disease, IFR 133, University of Franche-Comte, France; Physiology Functional Explorations, University Hospital of Besançon, France.
Jacques
J
Regnard
D000293:Adolescent; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012143:Respiratory Physiological Phenomena
Aptitude test; Body mass index; Child; Obesity; Oxygen consumption; Physical fitness