RELIABILITY OF THE 20-METRE SHUTTLE RUN FOR CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

Abstract

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) typically exhibit lower levels of cardiovascular fitness as compared to their non-disabled peers. Identification of valid, reliable indicators of fitness for this group is critical in terms of developing and evaluating interventions aimed at ameliorating deficits in fitness. While significant literature is available regarding fitness tests among adults with ID, less is known about appropriate assessments for children with ID. The purpose of the current investigation is to examine the reliability of the 20-metre shuttle run test for young children with ID. Thirty children (mean age = 8 years, zero months) with ID completed two 20-metre shuttle runs 72 hours apart. Results indicated a test-retest reliability of R = .53, which is lower than observed in previous investigations. Discussion as to the findings and application of results for practitioners are addressed.