Article Citation:

Bo Fernhall, Kenneth H. Pitetti, Matthew D. Vukovich, Nancy Stubbs, Terri Hensen,

Joseph P. Winnick, and Francis X. Short (1997) Validation of Cardiovascular Fitness
Field Tests in Children With Mental Retardation. American Journal on Mental
Retardation: December 1997, Vol. 102, No. 6, pp. 602-612.
Articles

Validation of Cardiovascular Fitness Field Tests in Children With

Mental Retardation

Bo Fernhalla,d, Kenneth H. Pitettib, Matthew D. Vukovichb, Nancy Stubbsb, Terri Hensenb,

Joseph P. Winnickc, and Francis X. Shortc
a
George Washington University Medical Center
b
Wichita State University
c
State University of New York, College at Brockport
Requests for reprints should be sent to Bo Fernhall, Exercise Science Programs, George
d

Washington University Medical Center, 817 23rd St., NW, Washington, DC 20052.
Abstract

The validity of the 600-yard walk/run, the 20-m shuttle run, and a modified 16-
m shuttle run was determined to measure aerobic capacity (VO2peak) in
children with mild and moderate mental retardation. Practice sessions for all
tests were conducted. All field tests were very reliable, and VO2peak was
significantly related to them all. A stepwise multiple regression showed that
field test performance, body mass index (BMI), and gender, but not age, were
also significant predictors of VO2peak. All field tests were valid and reliable
indicators of aerobic capacity, suggesting that these tests can be used to
predict VO2max in children with mild and moderate mental retardation.