Validation of criterion-referenced standards for the mile run and progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance tests

The purpose of this study was to validate criterion-referenced standards for cardiovascular endurance tests using the criterion-groups validation model. Adolescent boys and girls assigned to either untrained or trained groups were administered the mile run and Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) tests. Selection of optimal criterion standards was based on finding a cutting score that minimized the probability of misclassification errors and maximized the probability of making correct decisions based on participation in physical activity. The results of this study suggest that recent changes in FITNESSGRAM standards are appropriate, especially for the PACER test. While modifications of standards have corrected somewhat for disparities in passing rates between the mile run and the PACER, especially for girls, further study of standards is necessary.