The Multistage 20-Meter Shuttle Run Test Reference Values for Tibetan Children and Adolescents in Tibet, China

Objective: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) reference data for Tibetan (Zang ethnicity) children and adolescents at high altitudes in Tibet of China are lacking. The present study aimed to develop sex- and age-specific 20mSRT norms for Chinese Tibetan children and adolescents at high altitudes. Method: A total of 4667 participants from Lhasa (3650 m), Nagqu (4500 m), and Amdo (4700 m) were selected by a stratified random cluster sampling method in two stages. The 20 m SRT test was used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. The 20 m SRT norms were developed by the lambda, mu, and sigma method (LMS). Results: The 20 m SRT laps, completed stages/minutes, and the speed at the last complete stage of Chinese Tibetan children and adolescents aged 7–18 years increased with age. Conclusion: Given the importance of CRF for children and adolescents’ health, the government should strengthen the monitoring of the CRF of Tibetan children and adolescents in high-altitude areas, strengthen physical education curriculum reform, and increase the level of physical activity in order to improve the level of CRF in children and adolescents.