Feasibility, reliability and concurrent validity of a field test of exertion in high school students
Date
2019-07-02
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Abstract
Study Design: Test-retest reliability and concurrent validation study. Background: Exertional testing is an important component of a multifaceted assessment following concussion, however the literature evaluating a non-laboratory field test of exertion is limited. Objectives: 1) To evaluate the feasibility of a field test of aerobic capacity (modified shuttle run test - mSRT), 2) to examine the test-retest reliability of the mSRT, and 3) to evaluate the concurrent validity of a mSRT compared to the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT) in uninjured high school students.
Methods: Sixty uninjured adolescent males enrolled in high school sports performance courses (age 15-16 years) completed the mSRT twice (one week apart) and the BCTT once. Heart rate (HR) utilizing a Polar HR monitor, self-reported rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and overall symptoms were assessed. Results: The mSRT was feasible in high school students, with 95% of participants (n=57) completing all three testing sessions and no adverse events reported. The mSRT had a moderate level (ICC=0.68) of test-retest reliability. The mean difference between peak heart rates on the mSRT1 and BCTT was -2.62 (95% CI -7.14, 1.91). Median HRpeak (187 bpm), RPEpeak (18), and stage achieved (23) was highest following the BCTT. Fatigue or low energy was the most commonly reported symptom following all three testing sessions. Conclusions: This study found that there were similar responses to BCTT and mSRT in uninjured adolescent male participants. Further research to better understand the reliability and concurrent validity in a more heterogeneous sample, including female participants and participants following concussion, is warranted.
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Keywords
field test, exertion, concussion, adolescents
Citation
Miutz, L. N. (2019). Feasibility, reliability and concurrent validity of a field test of exertion in high school students (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.