الملخص الإنجليزي
The aims of this study were to evaluate the reliability and validity of a proposed test for measuring maximal aerobic power (MAP) for young swimmers and to examine its relationship with anthropometric measurements. 11 young males swimmers (age: 13.32 $ 1.52 years, height: 1.63 + 0,08 m, weight: 50.68 + 6.32 kg) participated in the study. To examine the reliability of the test, all swimmers performed the proposed test on two separate occasions and 400m freestyle swimming test. Concurrent validity was set by determining the relationship between the proposed test and that suggested by (Lavoie, et al. 1985). In addition, predictive validity was examined by determining the relationship between 400 m freestyle swimming performance and MAP, Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to identify relative reliability and both coefficient of variation and Bland-Altman method was used to verify absolute reliability. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between different variables. Results showed good relative reliability for duration of the test, MAP and maximum heart rate. Coefficient of variance for MAP was 2% and 95% limits of agreement was 0.06 m/s suggesting a good absolute reliability of this variable. In addition, significant correlations were found between MAP and 400m freestyle swimming performance (r= 0.923), height (r= 0.713), and leg length (r= 0.613). In conclusion, the proposed test is reliable and valid, and could predict 400m freestyle swimming performance in young swimmers.
