Physical Fitness Reference Standards in French Youth: The BOUGE Program

Sport participation, weight status, and physical fitness in French adolescents

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the associations between sport participation and weight status with physical fitness among French adolescents. The secondary aim was to establish sex- and age-specific physical fitness percentiles for French adolescents. The sample comprised 8084 adolescents (4126 boys, 3958 girls), aged 10-14 years. Participants were tested on cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength using the following tests: 20-m shuttle run test and handgrip strength test. A questionnaire on organized sport participation was completed. Physical fitness levels were better in boys (P < 0.005). Handgrip strength increased with age whereas 20-m shuttle run performance decreased with age. Overweight and obese adolescents had significantly lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels than their normal-weight peers (P < 0.005), whereas normal-weight adolescents had lower cardiorespiratory fitness than thin adolescents (P < 0.005). Sport participation was higher for boys (57.2% boys vs. 52.8% girls) (P < 0.001). Adolescents who participated in at least one organized sport (either through a club or at school) were fitter than those who did not participate in organized sports (P < 0.005). Adolescents who engaged in organized sports were more active and physically fit than those who did not participate. The fitness benefits of club sports are greater than those provided by school-based sports, highlighting the potential of sports clubs as a key setting for promoting health. What is Known: • Physical fitness is a strong marker of health in children and adolescents. • The last French Report Card highlighted the lack of fitness data and the need for nationwide programs, while showing a significant decline in cardiorespiratory fitness among youth in recent decades.. What is New: • This study reveals that adolescents participating in organized sports have better physical fitness compared to their peers who do not, emphasizing the potential advantages of club sports over school-based activities. • We highlight the need for targeted strategies, particularly for overweight or obese adolescents and girls, to increase participation in organized sports and enhance health outcomes. • The study emphasizes the need to develop policies that improve access to organized sports clubs and expand physical education in schools, aiming to improve CRF in adolescents.

Field-based physical fitness assessment in preschool children in China

BACKGROUND

Physical fitness in the preschool years is considered a marker of current and future health. Therefore, understanding physical fitness levels of preschool children is necessary. Furthermore, the use of field-based methods to measure physical fitness is essential for assessing children in authentic venues such as schools. Hence, the main purpose of this study was to describe the physical fitness of Chinese preschool children across field-based methods considering a statement of confidence intervals for reference in physical fitness in each age and genders.

METHODS

A total of 619 children (296 boys and 323 girls) aged 3-6 years old from China participated in the present study. Physical fitness was measured using the Chinese National Physical Fitness Measurement (CNPFM-Pre) battery, which included the tennis ball throw (upper-limb muscular strength), standing long jump (lower-limb muscular strength), shuttle run test (speed-agility), double-leg timed hop (coordination), sit-and-reach (flexibility), and balance beam test (dynamic balance).

RESULTS

The results revealed significant differences in gender for standing long jump (SLJ; η2 = 0.012, p = 0.007), tennis ball throw (TT; η2 = 0.081, p < 0.001), sit-and-reach (SR; η2 = 0.114, p < 0.001), and one-legged stance test (OST; η2 = 0.037, p < 0.001). Age had positive effects on all physical fitness performance tests, as the shuttle run test (η2 = 0.672, p < 0.001), SLJ (η2 = 0.513, p < 0.001), TT (η2 = 0.394, p < 0.001), double-legged timed hop test (DTH; η2 = 0.445, p < 0.001), SR (η2 = 0.069, p < 0.001), balance beam test (BBT; η2 = 0.367, p < 0.001), and OST (η2 = 0.336, p < 0.001). Older preschool children performed better than their younger counterparts in all the tests. No significant interactions between age groups and gender were found.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided age- and gender-specific physical fitness performance data in Chinese preschool children. Gender differences in physical fitness tests performance already exists at the preschool age. All physical fitness component results increased with age in this cohort. These findings can help healthcare, physical education, and pediatric professionals understand the physical fitness development of preschool children at different ages and help design sports tasks for preschool boys and girls.

Cardiorespiratory fitness has declined among French children since 1999, although the decline appears to be getting smaller

BACKGROUND

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a strong marker of current and future health. The aim of this study was to assess the national temporal trends in CRF for French children and adolescents between 1999 and 2022.

METHODS

CRF data were obtained from several cross-sectional studies on 15 420 (51.1% boys) French children and adolescents aged 9-16 years between 1999 and 2022. The 20-m shuttle run test (20mSRT) estimated CRF. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and body mass, with BMI z-scores (BMIz) calculated using WHO growth curves. The 20mSRT results were corrected for protocol and converted to z-scores (20mSRTz) using international sex- and age-specific norms. With additional adjustment for BMIz, temporal trends in mean 20mSRT performance (20mSRTz) were estimated using linear regression, with the distance max (Dmax) method used to locate a breakpoint and linear segments fitted to points below and above the breakpoint. Trends in distributional characteristics were assessed visually and described as the ratio of the coefficients of variation (CVs).

RESULTS

After adjustment for protocol, age, sex, and BMIz, a large decline in mean 20mSRT performance (trend per decade (95% CI): -1.42 SDs (-1.45, -1.39) or -18.4% (95% CI: -18.8, -18.0)) between 1999 and 2022 was found. Dmax located a breakpoint for the two-linear-segment model in year 2010. There was a large decline in mean 20mSRT performance pre-2010 (trend per decade (95% CI): -2.31 SDs (-2.39, -2.24)), which reduced 0.06-fold to a negligible decline post-2010 (trend per decade (95% CI): -0.15 SD (-0.20, -0.10)). We also found that the trend in mean 20mSRT performance was not uniform across the population distribution. Between 1999 and 2022, there was a small trend in distributional asymmetry, with slightly smaller declines experienced by the high performers (above the 75th percentile).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest a large decline in the 20mSRT performance of French children and adolescents since 1999. This declining trend seems to have diminished considerably since 2010. Such declines in CRF could translate into declines in health status. Although a slowing in the declining trend in CRF in recent years is encouraging, more data are needed to confirm these findings.

Normative-referenced values for health-related fitness among Czech youth: Physical fitness data from the study IPEN Adolescent Czech Republic

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to developed sex- and age-specific normative-referenced percentile values for health-related fitness among 12 to 18 years old Czech youth.

METHODS

This study included cross-sectional data from 1,173 participants (50.7% boys) collected between 2013 and 2016. Participants were recruited from 32 elementary or secondary schools across eight cities located in the Czech Republic. Health-related fitness was objectively measured using both anthropometric (height, body mass, and sum of skinfolds) and performance (20-m shuttle run for cardiorespiratory endurance, modified push-ups for muscular strength/endurance, and V sit-and-reach for flexibility) tests. Sex- and age-specific normative values were calculated using the Lambda Mu Sigma method. Sex- and age-related differences in means were expressed as standardized effect sizes.

RESULTS

Normative percentiles were tabulated and displayed as smoothed curves. Among boys, measures of health-related fitness generally increased with age, except for an age-related decline in the sum of skinfolds and a plateau in V sit-and-reach. Among girls, most measures of health-related fitness increased from age 12 to 16 years before stabilizing, except for the sum of skinfolds, which remained stable from age 12 to 18 years. The sex-related differences were large with boys having higher cardiorespiratory endurance and muscular strength/endurance than girls. Girls compared to boys had higher flexibility.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents the most up-to-date sex- and age-specific normative-referenced percentile values for health-related fitness among Czech youth. Normative values may be useful for fitness and public health screening and surveillance, for example, by helping to identify youth with low fitness who might benefit from a fitness-enhancing intervention.

Centile Reference Curves of the SLOfit Physical Fitness Tests for School-Aged Children and Adolescents

ABSTRACT

Blagus, R, Jurak, G, Starc, G, and Leskošek, B. Centile reference curves of the SLOfit physical fitness tests for school-aged children and adolescents. J Strength Cond Res 37(2): 328-336, 2023-The study provides sex- and age-specific centile norms of Slovenian children and youth. Physical fitness was assessed using the SLOfit test battery on population data, including 185,222 children, aged 6-19 years, measured in April and May 2018. Centile curves for both sexes and 12 test items were constructed using the generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS). Boys generally achieved higher scores in most of the physical fitness tests, except in stand and reach, but this was not consistent throughout childhood and adolescence, nor did it pertain to the entire range of performance. Girls outperformed boys in the arm-plate tapping test throughout childhood; the poorest performing girls outperformed the poorest performing boys in the 600-m run, 60-m dash, backward obstacle course, and standing broad jump. The shapes and trends of physical fitness curves adequately reflect the effects of growth and development on boys' and girls' physical performance. Comparing the existing reference fitness curves showed that Slovenian children and adolescents display higher fitness levels than their peers from other countries. This study provides the most up-to-date sex- and age-specific reference fitness centile curves of Slovenian children, which can be used as benchmark values for health and fitness monitoring and surveillance systems.

The Level and Factors Differentiating the Physical Fitness of Adolescents Passively and Actively Resting in South-Eastern Poland-A Pilot Study

Physical activity (PA) is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Due to civilization's development, we can observe a global decline in physical activity which negatively affects the state of physical and mental health. The physical activity of children and adolescents is a counterpart to their physical fitness. There is also more frequent spending of free time in a passive way rather than actively. The aim of the study was to determine whether there are differences in the physical fitness of young people who rest passively in relation to those who rest actively. In addition, it was checked whether factors, such as age, weight, body height and BMI differentiate the level of fitness in adolescents. Study group: 25 boys and 25 girls declaring active leisure activities. Control group: 25 boys and 25 girls declaring passive leisure activities. Age of the respondents ranged from 11 to 15 years (Me = 13; SD = 1.23). The research used: the author's questionnaire and the Index of Physical Fitness of K. Zuchora. The results were statistically developed. The youth who spend their free time actively were characterised by a higher level of physical fitness than their peers who choose passive recreation. The students with a higher BMI obtained worse results than the children with a lower body mass index. In both groups, slightly better results were obtained by girls. A significant relationship between age and results has been observed in the control group-the results increased with increasing age. The level of physical fitness is higher in active forms of recreation than in passive rest. Physical fitness tends to increase with age but decreases with increasing BMI. Girls are characterised by a higher level of physical fitness than boys.

Percentile Curves for Multiple Physical Fitness Components Among Chinese Han Children and Adolescents Aged 7-18 Years From a National Survey Based on the Total and the Normal Weight Population

Introduction: To develop sex- and age-specific percentile curves for seven physical fitness components for Chinese Han children and adolescents aged 7–18 years based on the total and the normal weight population using a nationally representative sample.

Methods: A total of 214,228 Chinese Han children and adolescents aged 7–18 years old with all nutritional status and 161,999 with normal weight were examined. Seven physical fitness components [forced vital capacity (FVC), standing long jump (SLJ), 50-m dash, sit-and-reach (SR), grip strength (GS), body muscle strength (BMS), and endurance running (ER)] were measured, and percentile curves for each physical fitness component at the 20th, 40th, 60th, and 80th percentiles were calculated using the general additive model for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS).

Results: Physical fitness presents different characteristics in each subgroup of sex, age, and nutritional status among children and adolescents. Sex- and age-specific percentiles for the seven physical fitness components among the Chinese Han children and adolescents aged 7–18 years based on the total and the normal weight population were provided as curves. Boys performed better than girls in FVC, SLJ, 50-m dash, GS, and ER but worse in SR. The performances of FVC, SLJ, 50-m dash, GS, BMS, and ER increased with age, but the estimates of SR were at the bottom among boys aged 12 years and girls aged 11 years. The annual increments of all components were larger in boys than girls at the peak time, which was earlier in girls than boys. The gap of physical fitness components between sexes increased with age, especially during puberty (since after 11 years old).

Conclusion: The present study described the percentile curves of seven physical fitness components among the Chinese Han children and adolescents based on the total and the normal weight population at the national level, which could help to chart the level of physical fitness across age span and identify the extreme populations with either health concerns or potential talents.

France's 2020 Report Card on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors in Children and Youth: Results and Progression

BACKGROUND

There is an alarming and constant worldwide progression of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors in children and adolescents. The present paper summarizes findings from France's 2020 Report Card on physical activity for children and youth, comparing its results to its 2 previous editions (2016 and 2018).

METHODS

France's 2020 Report Card follows the standardized methodology established by the Active Healthy Kids Global Matrix, grading 10 common physical activity indicators using the best available evidence. The grades were informed by national surveys, peer-reviewed literature, government and nongovernment reports, and online information.

RESULTS

The expert panel awarded the following grades: Overall Physical Activity: D; Organized Sport Participation and Physical Activity: C-; Active Play: INC; Active Transportation: C-; Sedentary Behaviors: D-; Family and Peers: D-; Physical Fitness: D; School: B-; Community and the Built Environment: F; Government: C.

CONCLUSIONS

This 2020 edition of France's Report Card again highlights the alarming levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviors among French children and adolescents, calling for the development of effective national action. It also draws attention to the particular deleterious effects of the COVID-19 confinement on youth's movement behaviors, which significantly worsened the situation.

Physical fitness reference standards for Chinese children and adolescents

To develop age- and sex-specific physical fitness reference standards and express the age- and sex-related differences using standardized effect sizes for Chinese children and adolescents. A total of 85,535 children and adolescents (48.7% girls) aged 7–18 years were recruited from six geographical divisions of China using a stratified randomized cluster sampling method. Seven physical fitness items including grip strength, standing long jump, 30-s sit-ups, sit and reach, 50-m dash, 20-s repeated straddling, and 20-m SRT were measured following a standardized procedure. Percentile curves for each physical fitness test were calculated using the LMS. Age- and sex-related differences were expressed as standardized effect sizes. We observed that the performance improved with age along with the analyzed percentiles in all tests. Boys had higher values compared to girls in all the physical fitness items except for sit and reach test, where girls showed better performance in all analyzed percentiles. Also, the sex differences increased with ages except sit and reach. There is a need for a differentiated approach in the physical education class in terms of adjustment of physical activity based on sex, level of fitness abilities in China.

Cognitive and Physical Activity-Related Aspects of Children Associated to the Performance of the Crunning Movement

The aim of this investigation was to identify possible related factors associated to the performance of the crunning test in European children and adolescents. A total number of 559 children and adolescents (age range 6-14 years) of which 308 boys (55.1%) and 251 girls (44.9%), from seven European countries, were screened. A questionnaire concerning demographic and personal life-related factors and a cognitive assessment were performed. A regression analysis was conducted with the performance measures of the crunning movement. T-tests and ANCOVA were used to analyze sub-group differences. Boys have greater crunning performance values compared to girls (5.55 s vs. 7.06 s, p < 0.001) and older children perform better than younger ones (R2 -0.23; p < 0.001). Children with healthy and active habits (exercising or spending time with family members vs. reading or surfing the internet) performed better in the test. Children engaged in team sports had better crunning performances compared to those engaged in individual sports (6.01 s vs. 6.66 s, p = 0.0166). No significant association was found regarding cognitive-related aspects in either children engaged in team or individual sports and the crunning performance. Older and male children performed better in the crunning test than younger and female children. Physical activity-related aspects of children's life are associated with crunning movement performance. No association was found between higher cognitive performance and the crunning test results.

[Tracking of physical fitness during chilhood: Longitudinal findings from the Diagnoform program]

BACKGROUND

A high level of physical fitness is associated with cardiovascular health in adolescents. We describe change in physical fitness levels assessed at two time points over 3 years.

METHODS

The study presents a longitudinal design, with the first phase data collection at 8 years and the second phase carried out at 11 years. A total of 516 children (254 boys) aged to 7.7±0.4 years (in 2010) and 10.9±0.4 years (in 2010) and 10.9 ± 0.4 years (in 2013) participated to the study. Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, speed, and agility were assessed in this study. For each physical fitness test, determination of the situation (in terms of percentiles) of each child in 2010 and then in 2013 compared to national standards. The 2010 and 2013 percentiles are then compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

Muscular strength, agility and cardiorespiratory fitness decrease in both sex (p<0.01). A significant decrease was also found for all physical fitness components in normal weight children (p<0.05). For normal weight children in 2010 who became overweight or obese in 2013, there was a significant decrease in scores of cardiorespiratory fitness and agility tests (p<0.05). For overweight children in 2010 becoming from to normal weight status in 2013, only the agility test decreased significantly (p<0.05). Children being overweight or obese in 2010 and remaining in 2013, had a significant decrease in their physical fitness levels (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that the physical fitness of French youth decrease between childhood and early adolescence. Developing and introducing a health promotion curriculum in the French schools is suggested to improve health and physical fitness.

France's 2018 Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth: Results and International Comparisons

BACKGROUND

Insufficient levels of physical activity and increasing sedentary time among children and youth are being observed internationally. The purpose of this paper is to summarize findings from France's 2018 Report Card on physical activity for children and youth, and to make comparisons with its 2016 predecessor and with the Report Cards of other countries engaged in the Global Matrix 3.0.

METHODS

The France's 2018 Report Card was developed following the standardized methodology established for the Global Matrix 3.0 by grading 10 common physical activity indicators using best available data. Grades were informed by national surveys, peer-reviewed literature, government and nongovernment reports, and online information.

RESULTS

The expert panel awarded the following grades: overall physical activity, D; organized sport participation and physical activity, C-; active play, INC; active transportation, C-; sedentary behaviors, D-; physical fitness, B-; family and peers, INC; school, B; community and the built environment, INC; and government, C.

CONCLUSIONS

Very concerning levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviors among French children and youth were observed, highlighting the urgent need for well-designed national actions addressing the presented physical inactivity crisis. The top 3 strategies that should be implemented in priority to improve the lifestyle of French children and youth are provided.

Análisis de la condición física según sexo, edad, índice de masa corporal y nivel de actividad física en estudiantes de primaria en España

Introducción. La evidencia científica sugiere que la calidad de vida de los escolares se relaciona de forma directa con el estado de su condición física (CF).Objetivo. Analizar la CF según edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal (IMC) y nivel de actividad física en estudiantes de primaria.Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal con 103 escolares entre 8 y 12 años de España. La CF se midió mediante la batería ALPHA-Fitness y la actividad física, con el cuestionario Physician-based Assessment and Counseling for Exercise. Los participantes se categorizaron según su nivel de actividad física (no activos versus activos) y su IMC (normo-peso versus sobrepeso-obesidad). Para el análisis se aplicó estadística paramétrica.Resultados. Los varones tuvieron un mejor nivel de CF, pero en ambos sexos se observó un leve incremento de esta a medida que aumentaba la edad. Los escolares con normopeso o activos físicamente tuvieron una mejor capacidad aeróbica y una composición corporal más saludable.Conclusión. Mantener niveles óptimos de CF a lo largo de la vida requiere de la adopción de un estilo de vida saludable desde la infancia, por tanto, es necesario promover la práctica autónoma de actividad física en los escolares.

Normative health-related fitness values for French children: The Diagnoform Programme

The primary objective of this study was to establish sex- and age-specific physical fitness percentiles for French children. The secondary aim was to assess sex, weight status, and age differences for physical fitness levels in French children. A sample of 31 484 children (16 023 boys, 15 461 girls) aged 6-11 years participated in the Diagnoform programme. Cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular endurance, speed, flexibility, and agility were assessed in this national programme. Percentile values were estimated as a function of age stratified by sex using a parametric method providing smooth centile curves and explicit formulae for the centile estimates. Values from the 10th to the 90th percentile are reported. The influence of body weight according to sex on the physical fitness level was also examined using an analysis of covariance adjusted for age. Physical fitness levels were slightly better in boys, except for agility and flexibility, in which girls performed better (Cohen's coefficient, 0.20-0.45; P < .001). All physical fitness tests were significantly associated with age (P < .0001). In general, overweight and obese children had a significantly poorer physical fitness level compared with their normal-weight counterparts (P < .05). No difference was found between thin and normal-weight boys and girls, except for agility (P < .05). Reference values provide normative data for French children, and these data should be useful for identifying special needs for appropriate intervention programmes.

Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Values Among Lithuanian Primary School Children: Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Emeljanovas, A, Mieziene, B, Cesnaitiene, VJ, Fjortoft, I, and Kjønniksen, L. Physical fitness and anthropometric values among Lithuanian primary school children: population-based cross-sectional study. J Strength Cond Res 34(2): 414-421, 2020-The purpose of the current study was to derive representative reference scores on anthropometric measures and test scores for the musculoskeletal, motor, and cardiorespiratory fitness of Lithuanian primary school children according to age and sex. This cross-sectional design study included 3,456 Lithuanian first- to fourth-grade children from age 6 to 10 years. Physical fitness was measured using a nine-item test battery developed by Fjørtoft et al. The test battery included the following tests: standing broad jump (explosive strength), jumping a distance of 7 m on 2 feet, jumping a distance of 7 m on 1 foot (both tests indicate leg muscle strength), throwing a tennis ball with one hand, and pushing a medicine ball with 2 hands (both tests indicate arm muscle strength). These tests measured musculoskeletal fitness. In addition, there were measures of a 10 × 5-m shuttle run (agility), running 20 m as fast as possible (speed), and climbing wall bars (coordination)-general tests of motor fitness. Reduced 6-minute Cooper test (endurance) measured cardiorespiratory fitness. A Student's t test and analysis of variance were performed to indicate differences between sexes and across age, respectively. The significant differences in mean scores in anthropometric and fitness means indicated that boys had higher scores than girls, and older children scored higher than younger children (p < 0.05). Data on normative sex- and age-specific percentile values (3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th) for physical fitness tests in Lithuanian primary school children are provided. These data are useful for educational settings, parents, clinicians, sports organizations, and sports clubs in identifying problems or outstanding performance and providing sports programs that develop children's athletic performance.

The 20-m Shuttle Run: Assessment and Interpretation of Data in Relation to Youth Aerobic Fitness and Health

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a good summative measure of the body's ability to perform continuous, rhythmic, dynamic, large-muscle group physical activity, and exercise. In children, CRF is meaningfully associated with health, independent of physical activity levels, and it is an important determinant of sports and athletic performance. Although gas-analyzed peak oxygen uptake is the criterion physiological measure of children's CRF, it is not practical for population-based testing. Field testing offers a simple, cheap, practical alternative to gas analysis. The 20-m shuttle run test (20mSRT)-a progressive aerobic exercise test involving continuous running between 2 lines 20 m apart in time to audio signals-is probably the most widely used field test of CRF. This review aims to clarify the international utility of the 20mSRT by synthesizing the evidence describing measurement variability, validity, reliability, feasibility, and the interpretation of results, as well as to provide future directions for international surveillance. The authors show that the 20mSRT is an acceptable, feasible, and scalable measure of CRF and functional/exercise capacity, and that it has moderate criterion validity and high to very high reliability. The assessment is pragmatic, easily interpreted, and results are transferable to meaningful and understandable situations. The authors recommend that CRF, assessed by the 20mSRT, be considered as an international population health surveillance measure to provide additional insight into pediatric population health.

Validity and Reliability of 10-Hz Global Positioning System to Assess In-line Movement and Change of Direction

The objectives of the present study were to examine the validity and reliability of the 10 Hz Johan GPS unit in assessing in-line movement and change of direction. The validity was tested against the criterion measure of 200 m track-and-field (track-and-field athletes, n = 8) and 20 m shuttle run endurance test (female soccer players, n = 20). Intra-unit and inter-unit reliability was tested by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV), respectively. An analysis of variance examined differences between the GPS measurement and five laps of 200 m at 15 km/h, and t-test examined differences between the GPS measurement and 20 m shuttle run endurance test. The difference between the GPS measurement and 200 m distance ranged from −0.13 ± 3.94 m (95% CI −3.42; 3.17) in the first lap to 2.13 ± 2.64 m (95% CI −0.08; 4.33) in the fifth lap. A good intra-unit reliability was observed in 200 m (ICC = 0.833, 95% CI 0.535; 0.962). Inter-unit CV ranged from 1.31% (fifth lap) to 2.20% (third lap). The difference between the GPS measurement and 20 m shuttle run endurance test ranged from 0.33 ± 4.16 m (95% CI −10.01; 10.68) in 11.5 km/h to 9.00 ± 5.30 m (95% CI 6.44; 11.56) in 8.0 km/h. A moderate intra-unit reliability was shown in the second and third stage of the 20 m shuttle run endurance test (ICC = 0.718, 95% CI 0.222;0.898) and good reliability in the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth (ICC = 0.831, 95% CI −0.229;0.996). Inter-unit CV ranged from 2.08% (11.5 km/h) to 3.92% (8.5 km/h). Based on these findings, it was concluded that the 10 Hz Johan system offers an affordable valid and reliable tool for coaches and fitness trainers to monitor training and performance.