Rump, P., Verstappen, F., Gerver, W. J., & Hornstra, G. (2002). Body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness indicators in prepubescent boys and girls. International Journal of Sports Medicine, 23, 50-54.

Percent body fat was negatively associated with endurance time. Relative oxygen uptake was positively related to submaximal heart rate at 6 minutes into exercise. Fat-free mass was positively related to total work, maximal power output, and absolute oxygen uptake. Relative oxygen uptake was related to endurance time. Absolute oxygen uptake was related to total work and maximal power output. Cardiorespiratory differences between boys and girls were largely attributable to differences in body composition.

Implication. When oxygen uptake cannot be measured, total work and maximal power output provide better indications of aerobic power than endurance time in prepubescent boys and girls.

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