Comparative analysis of the health-related physical fitness scorecard and fitnessgram, alpha, and aahperd test batteries

OpenAlex İngilizce

Physical fitness assessments are an important tool in determining the health status of children and adolescents. Examining the compatibility among different test batteries is critically important for developing national and international test batteries. This study aims to analyze the compatibility and differences between the Health-Related-Physical-Fitness-Scorecard (HRPFS) and internationally recognized FITNESSGRAM, ALPHA, and AAHPERD test batteries. The study involved 100 students from grades 6 to 8 who were administered the HRPFS, FITNESSGRAM, ALPHA, and AAHPERD test batteries. The relationships between tests measuring similar motor skills across different test batteries were analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. In contrast, canonical correlation analysis was employed to assess the overall compatibility between the test batteries. The results revealed a high correlation between HRPFS and FITNESSGRAM (r = 0.816), a moderate correlation with AAHPERD (r = 0.604), and a low correlation with ALPHA (r = 0.277). A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.342) was also identified between the HRPFS Push-Up Test and the FITNESSGRAM Flexed Arm Hang Test. Similarly, a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.367) was found between the HRPFS Sit and Reach Test and the FITNESSGRAM Trunk-Lift Test. However, HRPFS showed lower compatibility with international test batteries in muscular endurance and aerobic performance assessments. For instance, a low negative correlation (r = -0.213) was observed between ALPHA’s 20 meter Shuttle Run and FITNESSGRAM’s One mile Run/Walk Test. The findings suggest that while HRPFS is an effective national-level test battery, its scope should be expanded. Incorporating tests that evaluate endurance, speed, agility, explosive power could enhance its compatibility with international test batteries. The FITNESSGRAM test battery emerges as a significant reference point for HRPFS, particularly regarding push-up, sit-up, and flexibility assessments. This study provides concrete recommendations for developing HRPFS and contributes to aligning physical fitness assessments in Turkey with international standards.