![]() ![]() Since the early interest in physical fitness testing in the 1950–1960s, many field-based fitness tests have been proposed. Criterion-related validity refers to the extent to which a field-based test of a physical fitness component correlates with the criterion measure (i.e., the gold standard). The validity of field-based fitness tests needs to be considered when deciding which test to use. However, field-based fitness testing can offer useful and practical alternatives as screening tools, since they are relatively safe and time-efficient, involve minimal equipment and low cost, and can be easily administered to multiple people simultaneously. However, due to the cost of sophisticated instruments, time constraints and the need for qualified technicians, laboratory testing is limited to sport clubs, schools, population-based studies, and offices or clinical settings. Laboratory testing is an objective and accurate method of assessing physical fitness. Consequently, physical fitness assessment is a vital tool of prevention and health diagnoses. Muscular strength demonstrates a protective effect against all-cause mortality and is inversely associated with weight gain and adiposity-related hypertension occurrence and the prevalence and incidence of the metabolic syndrome, and mental health clinical presentations. Likewise, in the psychological sphere, high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with well-being, improved cognitive function and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other mental conditions such as anxiety, panic and depression. Cardiorespiratory fitness is inversely associated with cardiovascular diseases, obesity, osteoporosis diabetes, different cancer types, and is a predictor of all-cause of mortality and cardiovascular disease. ![]() Nowadays, physical fitness is one surrogate marker of overall adult health (19–64 years), especially cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength. Physical fitness is an integrated measure of all the functions and structures involved in performing physical activity. We developed an evidence-based proposal of the most valid field-based fitness tests in healthy adults aged 19–64 years old. Other field-based fitness tests presented limited evidence, mainly due to few studies. We found moderate evidence supporting that the 20 m square shuttle run test is a valid test for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness. Strong evidence indicated that the 20 m shuttle run, 1.5-mile, 12 min run/walk, YMCA step, 2 km walk and 6 min walk test are valid for estimating cardiorespiratory fitness the handgrip strength test is valid for assessing hand maximal isometric strength and the Biering–Sørensen test to evaluate the endurance strength of hip and back muscles however, the sit-and reach test, and its different versions, and the toe-to-touch test are not valid for assessing hamstring and lower back flexibility. We identified 101 original studies (50 of high quality) and five systematic reviews examining the criterion-related validity of field-based fitness tests in adults. Three evidence levels were constructed (strong, moderate and limited evidence) according to the number of studies and the consistency of the findings. Each original study’s methodological quality was classified as high, low and very low, according to the number of participants, the description of the study population, statistical analysis and systematic reviews which were appraised via the AMSTAR rating scale. The medical electronic databases MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Web of Science (all databases) were screened for studies published up to July 2020. We comprehensively assessed the criterion-related validity of existing field-based fitness tests used to indicate adult health (19–64 years, with no known pathologies).
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