Convergent validation of the Secondary School Physical Fitness battery as an alternative to Eurofit in secondary education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v83.119724Keywords:
physical fitness, physical education, assessment, eurofit, secondary education, field testsAbstract
Introduction: The assessment of physical fitness in Physical Education requires tests that are valid, applicable, and useful for guiding teaching practice.
Objective: This study compared the Eurofit battery with an alternative test known as the Secondary School (CFS), designed to assess flexibility, core strength, jumping, throwing, speed, and endurance in pupils in secondary education.
Methodology: A total of 148 adolescents participated: 82 boys and 66 girls from years 7 to 10. This study analyzed the associations between the corresponding tests, differences in marks and perceived effort, relationships with sex, age, weekly physical activity, and anthropometric variables, as well as the convergent validity of the final CFS mark in relation to Eurofit.
Results: The CFS battery showed a significant association with Eurofit in terms of the final mark (rho = .54; p < .001; r = .55; p < .001), although the absolute agreement was moderate-low (ICC = .41), indicating that the two test batteries are not interchangeable in all respects. The CFS reduced overall perceived exertion by 32.4% (p < .001) and maintained significant associations with speed, throwing, and endurance.
Discussion: The Thomas test, Biering-Sørensen test, SJ-CMJ-elasticity index combination, rotational throw, 30 m sprint, and Rockport test provided information that was more specific and applicable to the school context.
Conclusions: The results support the convergent validation of the CFS as a viable, functional, and inclusive alternative for assessing physical fitness in Physical Education, and future research should confirm its reliability, sensitivity to change, and external validity.
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