Convergent Validity of the One-Mile Run and PACER VO Prediction Models in Middle School Students

Abstract

FITNESSGRAM uses an equating method to convert Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) laps to One-mile run/walk (1MRW) times to estimate aerobic fitness (VO 2MAX ) in children. However, other prediction models can more directly estimate VO 2MAX from PACER performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the convergent validity and relative accuracy between 1MRW and various PACER models for predicting VO 2MAX in middle school students. Aerobic fitness was assessed on 134 students utilizing the 1MRW and PACER on separate testing days. Pearson correlations, Bland–Altman plots, kappa statistics, proportion of agreement, and prediction error were used to assess associations and agreement among models. Correlation coefficients were strong ( r ≥ .80, p .40 and agreement > .90. The results support that PACER models contain convergent validity and strong relative accuracy with the 1MRW model.