Criterion-related validity of field-based muscular fitness tests in youth.

AIM

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the association between isokinetic strength and field-based muscular fitness tests in youth.

METHODS

One hundred twenty-six adolescents (14.4±1.7 y) participated in the study. Upper and lower body isokinetic strength were measured at preset angular velocities of 90 º/s and 60 º/s, respectively. Muscular fitness was also assessed by means of field-based tests: handgrip strength, bent and extended arm hang tests, standing long jump, squat jump, countermovement jump and Abalakov jump. Height, weight and skinfold thickness were used to estimate body composition.

RESULTS

All field-based tests were significantly associated with isokinetic peak torque and power (P<0.001 in all cases). Handgrip strength and standing long jump showed the highest associations with the isokinetic parameters (0.61≤r≤0.87; 0.39≤R2≤0.76). Weight-bearing field tests increased on average 20 % their association (R2) with isokinetic parameters when standardized by individual's body weight (test score × weight), while the average increase was 16 % when standardized by fat-free mass (test score × fat-free mass).

CONCLUSION

Handgrip strength and standing long jump tests seem to be the most valid field-based muscular fitness tests when compared to isokinetic strength. These tests can be useful to assess muscular fitness in young people when laboratory methods are not feasible.