We evaluated the validity of the 20-m shuttle test (MST) and the 12-minute and 3,000-m run tests as predictors of aerobic capacity in 15 competitive sports participants (CSP). An additional seven international-level rugby players (IRP) were used to evaluate the 20-MST in elite athletes. Maximal oxygen uptake (o2max) was determined from indirect calorimetry using an incremental protocol. The 20-MST, 12-minute run, and 3,000-m runs were assessed from laps, distance covered, and finishing times, respectively. Validity coefficients between the 12-minute (r = 0.67) and the 3,000-m runs (r = 0.67) were significantly related (p < 0.05) to o2max. Correlations between the 20-MST and o2max test for both CSP (r = 0.41) and IRP (r = 0.42) were not significant, but when both groups were combined, a significant correlation was found (r = 0.61). Maximal ratings of perceived exertion were significantly lower for the 20-MST compared to the o2max test (16.3 ± 0.6 vs. 18.8 ± 0.3 units, respectively). Lower blood lactate levels were observed at 2 minutes (10.5 ± 0.9 vs. 12.2 ± 0.9 mmol/L, p < 0.05) and 5 minutes (8.9 ± 1.0 vs. 11.9 ± 1.0 mmol/L, p < 0.05) after the 20-MST compared to the o2max test. Plasma creatine kinase levels measured 12 hours after each test were not significantly different. We conclude that aerobic capacity can be accurately predicted from either a 12-minute run or 3,000-m run in young competitive sports participants. In contrast, the 20-MST only predicted o2max when the data for the competitive sports participants and the international-level rugby players were combined and a greater range of o2 and 20-MST scores were included in the analysis.
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