Comparison of Two Versions of the PACER Aerobic Fitness Test

Background: The PACER test is a valid and reliable assessment of aerobic capacity in children. However, many schools lack adequate space to administer the test. This study compared the utility of the standard 20m PACER test with an alternative 15m PACER protocol in 5th and 8th grade students. Methods: A total of 171 students completed both PACER protocols in a counterbalanced design. Agreement between the two protocols was assessed with correlations, repeated-measures ANOVA, and classifi cation agreement into the FITNESSGRAM® healthy fi tness zones. Results: The difference in estimated VO2max between the two tests was slightly larger for boys (5th grade, 1.32 ml/kg/min; 8th grade, 1.72 ml/kg/min) than girls (5th grade, 0.14 ml/kg/min; 8th grade, 1.11 ml/kg/min), but these differences are probably not of practical signifi cance. Classifi cation agreement was 88% for boys and 91% for girls. Conclusions: Collectively, the results suggest that the 15m and 20m PACER provide similar information about aerobic fi tness in youth. The 20m test is recommended when possible, but the 15m provides a useful alternative for schools with smaller gymnasiums.