Multi-Stage 20-m Shuttle Run Fitness Test, Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Velocity at Maximal Oxygen Uptake

Abstract

The multi-stage 20-m shuttle run fitness test (20mMSFT) is a popular field test which is widely used to measure aerobic fitness by predicting maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and performance. However, the velocity at which VO₂max occurs (vVO₂max) is a better indicator of performance than VO₂max, and can be used to explain inter-individual differences in performance that VO₂max cannot. It has been reported as a better predictor for running performance and it can be used to monitor athletes’ training for predicting optimal training intensity. This study investigated the validity and suitability of predicting VO₂max and vVO₂max of adult subjects on the basis of the performance of the 20mMST. Forty eight (25 male and 23 female) physical education students performed, in random order, a laboratory based continuous horizontal treadmill test to determine VO₂max, vVO₂max and a 20mMST, with an interval of 3 days between each test. The results revealed significant correlations between the number of shuttles in the 20mMSFT and directly determined VO₂max (r = 0.87, p<0.05) and vVO₂max (r = 0.93, p<0.05). The equation for prediction of VO₂max was y = 0.0276x + 27.504, whereas for vVO₂max it was y = 0.0937x + 6.890. It can be concluded that the 20mMSFT can accurately predict VO₂max and vVO₂max and this field test can provide useful information regarding aerobic fitness of adults. The predicted vVO₂max can be used in monitoring athletes, especially in determining optimal training intensity.

Introduction

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) has been characterized as an important indicator for success in distance running performance as well as for health (Astrand and Saltin, 1967; Hamlin et al., 2012; Noakes et al., 1990). However, the velocity at which VO₂max occurs (vVO₂max) is a better indicator of performance than VO₂max, as it effectively combines both VO₂max and running economy in one term (di Prampero et al., 1986) and can also be used to explain inter-individual differences in performance that VO₂max or running economy alone cannot (Billat and Koralsztein, 1996; Billat et al., 2000; Jones and Carter, 2000). Compared to VO₂max, vVO₂max is a better predictor for middle and long-distance running performance (Noakes et al., 1990) and it has been reported that it should be used to monitor athletes’ training and to determine optimal training intensity for distance runners (Billat and Koralsztein, 1996; Billat et al., 2000; Laursen and Jenkins, 2002; Smith et al., 1999). Additionally, it seems that vVO₂max is the minimum speed required to elicit athlete’s VO₂max, and it is necessary to train at this speed in order to improve VO₂max and thus aerobic capacity (Billat, 2001; Billat and Koralsztein, 1996; Billat et al., 2000; Hill and Rowell, 1997; Jones and Carter, 2000). Maximizing vVO₂max through training will increase the running speeds which correspond to a given percentage of VO₂max and will improve performance since athletes tend to use similar percentages of VO₂max for a given exercise duration (Jones and Carter, 2000). Thus, vVO₂max can be very useful for the determination of the intensity of training programs. vVO₂max is directly measured within a laboratory based test during which running speed increases gradually until the athlete reaches VO₂max (Billat and Koralsztein, 1996). The direct measurements of VO₂max and vVO₂max in a laboratory are time consuming (only one subject at a time) and require relatively expensive equipment, trained personnel and may not be appropriate for some applications. Consequently, there is a demand for quick, inexpensive and valid field tests that can provide a reasonable estimate of VO₂max. The multi-stage 20-m shuttle run fitness test (20mMSFT) was developed by Léger and Lambert (1982) and it has been used widely since its introduction. The 20mMSFT is a popular field test which is used among athletes of all levels, from children to elite athletes. The 20mMSFT has been used widely for distance runners, soccer players, basketball players, squash, karate and even ice-hockey players in order to measure their aerobic fitness and to predict performance (Paliczka et al., 1987; Ramsbottom et al., 1988; Koklu et al., 2011; Koropanovski et al., 2011; Aslan, 2013). Several studies demonstrated that the assessment of aerobic fitness with the 20mMSFT on a regular basis is beneficial for evaluating the effectiveness of training programs (Castagna et al., 2006; Castagna et al., 2006; Impellizzeri et al., 2005), monitoring soccer players (Castagna et al., 2006), investigating seasonal variations in physiological variables of soccer players (Caldwell and Peters, 2009), basketball players (Ostojic et al., 2006) and ice-hockey players (Geithner et al., 2006). Many studies have reported high correlations (0.90 – 0.93) between performance in the 20mMSFT and VO₂max (Léger and Lambert, 1982; Paliczka et al., 1987; Ramsbottom et al., 1988; Sproule et al., 1993; Wilkinson et al., 1999). However, as the only outcome of the 20mMSFT is predicted VO₂max, there is no information regarding vVO₂max, and consequently no detail on an optimal training intensity for improving performance (Billat and Koralsztein, 1996). The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and suitability of predicting both VO₂max and the vVO₂max of adult subjects taking into account performance of the 20mMSFT. As the correlations between VO₂max and vVO₂max (Billat and Koralsztein, 1996) and between the 20mMSFT and VO₂max have been reported as greater than r=0.9, it was hypothesized that the correlation between vVO₂max and the 20mMSFT should also be of similar magnitude, which should facilitate the product of a predictive equation.

Material and Methods

Forty eight (25 male and 23 female) PE college students (age = 21.20 ± 1.91 years; body mass = 66.07 ± 11.22 kg; body height = 1.72 ± 0.10 m and % of body fat = 17.40 ± 5.32%) performed, in random order, a laboratory based continuous horizontal treadmill test to determine V0₂max and a 20mMST, with an interval of 3 days between each test. Testing was performed at the same hour of day ± 2h, with subjects instructed to consume a light meal at least 4 hours before testing and to avoid intense exercise in the preceding 24 hours.

Each subject’s percent body fat was estimated for descriptive purposes using a Harpenden skin-fold caliper (model 68875, UK). Skinfold sites included bicep, tricep, subscupular and suprailiac (Durnin and Womersley, 1974). Prior to participation, subjects received information regarding the design of the study and then gave written informed consent. Prior to the commencement of the research, all procedures involved in this investigation were reviewed and approved by the Athens University’s Research Ethics Committee.

On their initial visit to the laboratory, all subjects were familiarized with the procedures for the treadmill test (Run race 1200, Technogym, Cesena Italy) and for the 20mMSFT. Two days later, participants completed an incremental test to volitional exhaustion with a starting velocity (set during familiarization) of 7–12 km·h⁻¹ and 1% slope, for the determination of VO₂max or VO₂ peak (dependent on meeting criteria for VO₂max or not) and vVO₂max or vVO₂ peak in an air-conditioned laboratory with the temperature set at 19 – 21° C. Treadmill speed was calibrated previously with a subject running at different speeds while the time it takes for the completion for 30 treadmill revolutions was recorded on a stop watch. Following a 5-min warm-up, the velocity was increased by 1 km·h⁻¹ every 3 min from their individual starting velocity until volitional exhaustion. Gas collection was made during the last 60 s period of each 3 min stage in order to allow the subject to attain steady state VO₂ (Lafontaine et al., 1981). VO₂ was measured by the open circuit Douglas Bag method. The subject breathed through a low resistance 2-way Hans-Rudolph 2700 B valve (Shawnee, USA). The expired gases passed through a 90 cm length of 340 mm diameter flexible tubing in to 200-liter capacity Douglas Bags. The concentration of CO₂ and O₂ in the expired air were measured by the GIR 250 Hitech combined Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Analyzer (Luton, England). The gas analyzers were calibrated against standardized gases (15.35% O₂, 5.08% CO₂ and 100% N₂). Expired volume was measured by means of a dry gas meter (Harvard) previously calibrated with a 3-liter syringe. Barometric pressure and gas temperature were recorded and respiratory gas exchange data for each work load (i.e. VO₂, VCO₂, VE and RER) were determined on a locally developed computer program based on the computations described by McArdle et al. (2010), when VEatps, FECO₂ and FEO₂ are known. The highest VO₂ value obtained during an incremental exercise test was recorded as the subject’s VO₂ peak which also elicited a heart rate within ±10 bpm of age predicted HRmax and a Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) greater than 1.05.

The lowest running speed that elicits a VO₂ equivalent to VO₂ peak during the treadmill test was defined as vVO₂ peak (Billat and Koralsztein, 1996). If the final exercise work load was not completed for 120 s but VO₂ was increased then vVO₂ peak was determined from the following equation (Kuipers et al., 1985):

$$\begin{array}{l}{\text{vVO}}_2\text{peak}=\text{last}\hspace{0.17em}\text{work}\hspace{0.17em}\text{load}\hspace{0.17em}\text{completd}\hspace{0.17em}\text{in}\\ 120\hspace{0.17em}\text{s}+[(\text{time}\hspace{0.17em}\text{of}\hspace{0.17em}\text{the}\hspace{0.17em}\text{uncompleted}\text{work}\\ \text{load}/120)*1]\end{array}$$

Fingertip blood samples were taken within 5 minutes of the completion of the test for the determination of lactate levels. To avoid sweat contamination the first drop of blood was wiped off, and only the second was used for analysis. The concentration of lactate was measured enzymatically (Dr Lange, Cuvette Test LKM 140, Hamburg, Germany) using a miniphotometer LP 20 Plus (Dr Lange, Hamburg, Germany). Blood was taken using 10 μl end-to-end capillaries and placed in a reagent solution hemolyzing the blood. Lactate was processed in a reaction producing quinonimin in proportion to the amount of lactate in the sample, and the concentration of quinonimin was read off in an LP 20 Plus apparatus at 540 nm (576 THz) after a 3 min reaction time.

The heart rate (HR) was recorded every 5 s throughout the exercise tests using short-range telemetry (Polar S 710, Polar, Helsinki, Finland).

The 20mMSFT (Handbook, 1983) was administered in a sports hall (temperature 19 – 21° C). It involved running between two lines set 20 m apart at a pace dictated by a recording emitting tones at appropriate intervals. Velocity was 8.5 km·h⁻¹ for the first minute, which increased by 0.5 km·h⁻¹ every minute thereafter. The test score achieved by the subject was the number of 20 m shuttles completed before the subject either withdrew voluntarily from the test, or failed to be within 3 m of the end lines on two consecutive tones. Heart rates were continuously recorded throughout the test (Polar heart rate monitor S 710), whereas blood lactate was collected 5 min after the test. Scores from the treadmill test and the 20mMSFT were compared using a paired t test. Data were assessed for normality (Kolomonov and Smirnoff) and the relationships between variables for the two tests were calculated using the Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. Significance was set at p<0.05.

Results

The analysis of the data revealed statistically significant correlations between the number of shuttles in the 20mMSFT and treadmill VO₂max (r = 0.87, p<0.05; Figure 1) as well as vVO₂max (r = 0.93, p<0.05; Figure 2). Additionally, there were no significant differences between the measured and predicted values of VO₂max (49.98 ± 8.33 and 49.97 ± 7.17 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹), vVO₂max (14.52 ± 2.65 and 14.51 ± 2.43 km·h⁻¹), HRVO₂max (194.1 ± 10.03 and 195.2 ± 7.50 beats·min⁻¹) and LacuteVO₂max (12.05 ± 1.96 and 12.09 ± 1.90 mmol·L⁻¹). The equation for prediction of VO₂max was y = 0.0276x + 27.504, whereas for the vVO₂max it was y = 0.0937x + 6.890.

Figure 1.

The relationship between the number of multi-stage 20-m shuttle run fitness test and direct measurement of maximal oxygen uptake (n = 48).

Figure 2.

The relationship between the number of multi-stage 20-m shuttle run fitness test and direct measurement of the velocity at maximal oxygen uptake (n = 48)

Discussion

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the validity and suitability of predicting VO₂max and vVO₂max of adult subjects on the basis of performance of the 20mMSFT. The results indicated a high correlation coefficient between shuttles in the 20mMSFT and VO₂max as well as vVO₂max. Ideally this type of research should include a two sub-samples design, where one sub-sample is used to obtain the estimation equations and the other sub-sample is used to validate the equations (Morais et al., 2011). However, it can be argued that the present study design is appropriate, as several publications have adopted the same research design (Sproule et al., 1993; Ramsbottom et al., 1988; Paliczka et al., 1987; Stickland et al., 2003; Léger et al., 1988).

The regression model proposed in the present study for the prediction of vVO₂max is appropriately accurate as indicated the R², the adjusted R² and the standard error of estimation (R² = 0.867, R²_adj = 0.863 and σ_est = 0.980), with only 13% of the variation not explained by this prediction model. While 13% is quite small, some caution should be exercised when this prediction model is used. Similarly, the model proposed in the present study for the prediction of VO₂max is also appropriately accurate (R² = 0.759, R2_adj = 0.753 and σ_est = 4.142), even though it is not as strong as the model for vVO₂max prediction. Again, this prediction model should be used with caution as 24% of the variation is not explained. The unexplained 13% and 24% of variation could be due to factors such as the contribution of anaerobic power and capacity, and/or by some technical error and biological variability.

The correlation between the 20mMSFT shuttles and VO₂max reported in the present study was similar to values from other studies for adults (Léger and Lambert, 1982; Paliczka et al., 1987; Ramsbottom et al., 1988; Sproule et al., 1993; Wilkinson et al., 1999) but was higher than those for children (Van Mechelen et al., 1986). Statistical analysis also indicated that there were no differences between the direct and indirect values of VO₂max. These results confirmed the use of the 20mMSFT as a valid predictor of VO₂max with reasonable accuracy (Paliczka et al., 1987). The results of the present study produced a higher correlation between shuttles on the 20mMSFT and vVO₂max compared to VO₂max (r=0.93 and r=0.87, respectively). Additionally, statistical analysis indicated that there were no differences between the direct and indirect values of vVO₂max. As this is the first study correlating shuttles in the 20mMSFT and vVO₂max, there are no comparable data available in the literature. However, Paliczka et al. (1987) correlated the 20mMSFT and performance in a 10 km run and reported a similar correlation (r=0.93).

The prediction of vVO₂max is very useful, especially when it occurs simultaneously for a group of participants through a simple and inexpensive test such as the 20MSFT. Several studies have demonstrated that for well-trained athletes vVO₂max is the lowest exercise intensity necessary to reach their VO₂max during a workout, improving their VO₂max and therefore, aerobic capacity (Billat, 2001; Billat and Koralsztein, 1996; Billat et al., 2000; Hill and Rowell, 1997; Jones and Carter, 2000; Bragada et al., 2010). Moreover, interval training at high intensities, such as vVO₂max, allows athletes to maintain VO₂max for a prolonged period of time and leads to a relatively greater improvement in VO₂max (Demarie et al., 2000). Furthermore, maximizing vVO₂max through training increases the running speed which corresponds to a given percentage of VO₂max (Jones and Carter, 2000). This is very important for improving performance since athletes tend to use similar percentages of VO₂max for a given exercise duration (Jones and Carter, 2000).

The prediction models for the evaluation of vVO₂max and VO₂max, aerobic fitness and performance using the 20mMSFT can be used as appropriately accurate tools when direct measurements in a laboratory are not possible due to time and cost restrictions. The findings of the present study provide a relatively quick, inexpensive and valid field test that can provide a reasonable estimate of vVO₂max, which can be utilized in many different situations. However, some limitations, including the characteristics of the participants, have to be emphasized. The prediction models were derived from testing PE college students with relatively good aerobic fitness. Employment of these models with a different age group (youth or mature athletes), of different capabilities (sedentary, highly trained or world class athletes) and specific sports (e.g. soccer, track & field) has not been tested and the predictive accuracy for these specific situations remains unknown.

It can be concluded that the 20 m multistage shuttle run test can accurately predict VO₂max and vVO₂max corresponding to maximal oxygen uptake and this field test can provide useful information regarding the aerobic fitness of adults. Additionally, the predicted vVO₂max from this test could be used to monitor athletes and determine optimal training intensity in order to improve VO₂max and thus, aerobic capacity.