Development and Validation of a Regression Model to Estimate VO2peak from PACER 20-m Shuttle Run Performance

Background: The purpose of this study was to develop and cross-validate a regression model to estimate VO 2 peak from PACER performance in 12- to 14-year-old males and females. Methods: A sample of 135 participants had VO 2 peak measured during a maximal treadmill test and completed the PACER 20-m shuttle run. The sample was randomly split into validation ( n = 90) and cross-validation ( n = 45) samples. The validation sample was used to develop the regression equation to estimate VO 2 peak from PACER laps, gender, and body mass. Results: The multiple correlation ( R ) was .66 and standard error of estimate ( SEE ) was 6.38 ml·kg −1 ·min −1 . Accuracy of the model was confirmed on the cross-validation sample. The regression equation developed on the total sample was: VO 2 peak = 47.438 + (PACER*0.142) + (Gender[m=1, f=0]*5.134) − (body mass [kg]*0.197), R = .65, SEE = 6.38 ml·kg –1 ·min –1 . Conclusions: The model developed in this study was more accurate than the Leger et al. model and allows easy conversion of PACER laps to VO 2 peak.