Cooper and Shuttle Run Test in Young Students: Results and Correlations

Abstract

Young people performance is often used to define the well-being and physical activity level. Several studies were assessed in school environments where more sedentary students were recruitable. As such, over 3800 students were tested with Shuttle Run Test (5m x 10) and Cooper endurance test during Physical Education classes. Shuttle Run Test was assessed according to the instructions given by Eurofit battery while the endurance trial was run in the playing field of each school. All phases of the test were run by teachers who collected data. During growth, males and females followed different trends: females showed the highest peak between 11 and 12 years while males between 13 and 14 years. Between 11 and 14 females increased their weight by about 10 kgs, while males gained 16 kgs. During Shuttle Run Test, the mean time spent performing the trial was 19,27 sec (M) and 20,25 sec (F). In both sexes the 13 and 14 year-old students were quickest while the 12 year-old students were the slowest. Males performed the test between 3200 m and 810 m while females performed 1795 m (on average). Statistical differences were found only between Cooper test and gender in all age groups. Disinclination for active life style is widespread however school education programs could reach all young people and arrange the tendency of students towards sport and well being.