Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the literature as for the level of evidence of predictive equations of VO2peak through the 20-meter shuttle run test (20m-SRT) in children and adolescents. DATA SOURCES: Searches were conducted independently by two researchers, according to the procedures adopted by PRISMA, in the electronic databases MEDLINE via PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, LILACS and SciELO, for articles published until September 2017 in English and Portuguese. The inclusion criteria were: original studies, abstract available, using predictive equations of VO2peak through 20m-SRT, conducted with adolescents and/or children, non-athletes, and mentioning correlation analysis between predicted and measured VO2peak. The level of evidence of equations was based on the risk of bias of the studies using the following criteria: sample number, sample characteristics, and statistical analysis. DATA SYNTHESIS: Eighteen studies were selected, in which fifteen equations were found and analyzed. The studies had been conducted with samples composed of subjects of both sexes, aged 8 to 19 years. Equations of Léger and Matsuzaka had their level of evidence classified as high, and estimation ranged between r=0.54-0.90 and r=0.65-0.90. Equations by Ruiz, Barnett and Matsuzaka had their level of evidence classified as moderate, and estimation ranged between r=0.75-0.96, r=0.66-0.84 and r=0.66-0.89, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Matsuzaka's equation presented satisfactory parameters for estimates of VO2peak in children and adolescents. Although not explored in equations, body adiposity and pubertal stage are significantly associated with cardiorespiratory fitness in children and adolescents.