The use of Yo-Yo IR1 and Andersen testing for fitness and maximal heart rate assessments of 6-10 yr old school children.

We evaluated a sub-maximal and maximal version of the Yo-Yo IR1 childrens test (YYIR1C) and the Andersen test for fitness and maximal HR assessments of children aged 6-10. Two repetitions of the YYIR1C and Andersen tests were carried out within one week by 6-7 and 8-9 year olds (grade 0, n=17; grade 2, n=16) and six weeks apart by 9-10 year olds (grade 3, n=49). Grade (G) 0-2's also performed an incremental treadmill test (ITT). G2's had a better (p<0.05) YYIR1 test (84%; 994±399 (±SD) vs 536±218 m) and Andersen test performance (10%; 1050±71 vs 955±56 m) than G0's. For G0-2's YYIR1C, Andersen and ITT HRpeak were 205±11, 207±9 and 203±7 b.p.m., respectively (Andersen>ITT, p<0.05) and for G3's YYIR1C and Andersen HRpeak were 208±9 and 204±9 b.p.m. respectively (YYIR1C>Andersen, p<0.05). Submaximal YYIR1C HR was inversely correlated (p<0.05) with YYIR1C performance (r=-0.54 to -0.67) and VO2peak (r=-0.42). The 6-wk change in submaximal HR correlated with the change in YYIR1C performance (r=-0.42 to -0.53, p<0.05). In conclusion, YYIR1C and Andersen tests are simple and inexpensive intermittent field tests that can detect differences in fitness levels and determine maximal HR of 6-10 year old children. Additionally, submaximal YYIR1C testing can be used for frequent non-exhaustive fitness assessments.