Assessment of cardio-respiratory fitness using age-adjusted squat test models

Abstract

Problem Statement: The Ruffier Dickson test is widely utilized across various domains including sports science, medicine, fitness, and physical education. However, it tends to yield underestimated results when applied to young patients. Approach: This research aims to refine the Ruffier Dickson index model by considering the normal heart rate differences between adults and young patients. Purpose: The study seeks to assess the efficacy of the age-adjusted squat test in predicting maximal oxygen uptake in children and adolescents. Material and methods: 683 children of 6 – 17 years old from a million population city in Western Ukraine have been involved in the study. All the pupils were good in health, i.e. they met common criteria determined by the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine and therefore they were admitted to participate in the schools’ physical education lessons according the standard State program of Physical Culture. Results: The original Ruffier – Dickson index values, as well, as its values determined according the modified model, which makes possible to take into account an age of children and adolescents were calculated. The Ruffier index appeared more sensitive to variation of a pulse rate than the Dickson index. The range of common values of the Ruffier index is approximately 24 (2 − 26) and the Dickson index − 15 (5 − 20). Conclusions: The Ruffier – Dickson squat test with corresponding age-generalized indexes is recommended as a suitable protocol to provide an easy and fast self-evaluation of the maximal oxygen uptake in children and adolescents as well, as in adults.