[Assessment of cardiorespiratory functional fitness in children: walking tests and running tests]

Abstract

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CF) is an important factor in treating various paediatric pathologies. As a consequence, assessing CF has widespread clinical application as part of paediatric intervention programs. Several methods have been developed for the purpose of measuring CF. The aim of this review is to describe and evaluate test procedures that are currently in use. Direct measurement in a laboratory setting has the advantage of high validity and reliability. The disadvantage, however, is that laboratory assessment of CF requires trained personnel, takes more time than field tests, and necessitates costly equipment. Conversely, field tests are easier to administer, require less time and utilise less expensive equipment. The choice of the test mode must take into account the age and health of the subject. The availability of a variety of tests makes it possible for the clinician/researcher to choose the most assessment that is most appropriate for the target population, study objectives, and available resources according to the research methods of the study.