Evaluation of physical fitness in military personnel using the 1600 meter running test]

Validity of 1600 m running test in estimation of physical fitness of Yugoslav Army personnel was examined through the degree of correspondence between the results achieved in the test and the values of maximum oxygen consumption. The coefficients of linear correlation between these two indices are not statistically significant, and amount to -0.36 (in 87 cadets) and -0.14 (in 114 officers). The authors conclude that 1600 m running test is not a valid measure of endurance, as an element of physical fitness of military personnel and they elaborate the reasons of its unreliability.