The use of anthropometric measurements and the Influence of demographic factors on the prediction of vo2max in a cohort of adolescents: the Pahl study

Background: prediction models have not focused on children and adolescents from South Africa and have not included various demographic factors as possible predictors. Aim: The purpose of this study was, therefore, to determine whether a valid prediction function can be developed from several anthropometric measurements and demographic factors of a cohort of adolescents in South Africa. Subjects and methods: A total of 214 adolescent boys (n = 88) and girls (n = 126) (15.82 ± 0.68 years) were selected. Demographic, sport and maturation data were collected by means of questionnaires, whereas anthropometric measurements were taken by accredited anthropometrists and the 20-m Shuttle Run Test (SRT) executed to determine indirect values. A forward stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the cluster analysis reduced predictors and a cross-validation was performed in order to validate the prediction function. Results: Muscle mass percentage, sport participation level, stature, hip circumference and ectomorphy acted as significant predictors (p < 0.05) of the adolescents’ indirect, 20-m SRT values. Seventy per cent of the variance in the indirect, 20-m SRT values could be explained by this model. Cross-validation also confirmed the model’s validity. Conclusion: Results indicate that the of adolescents from different racial backgrounds, living areas and gender groups can be accurately predicted by making use of a population-specific model.