The following electronic only articles are published in conjunction with this issue of BJSM (see also pages 189 and 211)

The repeatability and criterion related validity of the 20 m multistage fitness test as a predictor of maximal oxygen uptake in active young men

S-M Cooper, J S Baker, R J Tong, et al

Objective: To investigate the repeatability and criterion related validity of the 20 m multistage fitness test (MFT) for predicting maximal oxygen uptake (Vo2max) in active young men.

Methods: Data were gathered from two phases using 30 subjects (x±s; age = 21.8±3.6 years, mass = 76.9±10.7 kg, stature = 1.76±0.05 m). MFT repeatability was investigated in phase 1 where 21 subjects performed the test twice. The MFT criterion validity to predict Vo_2max was investigated in phase 2 where 30 subjects performed a continuous incremental laboratory test to volitional exhaustion to determine Vo_2max and the MFT.

Results: Phase 1 showed non-significant bias between the two applications of the MFT (x̄_diff±s_diff = −0.4±1.4 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹; t = −1.37, p = 0.190) with 95% limits of agreement (LoA) ±2.7 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ and heteroscedasticity 0.223 (p = 0.330). Log transformation of these data reduced heteroscedasticity to 0.056 (p = 0.808) with bias −0.007±0.025 (t = −1.35, p = 0.190) and LoA±0.049. Antilogs gave a mean bias on the ratio scale of 0.993 and random error (ratio limits) ×/÷1.050. Phase 2 showed that the MFT significantly underpredicted Vo_2max (x̄_diff±s_diff = 1.8±3.2 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹; t = 3.10, p = 0.004). LoA were ±6.3 ml kg⁻¹ min⁻¹ and heteroscedasticity 0.084 (p = 0.658). Log transformation reduced heteroscedasticity to −0.045 (p = 0.814) with LoA±0.110. The significant systematic bias was not eliminated (x̄_diff±s_diff = 0.033±0.056; t = 3.20, p = 0.003). Antilogs gave a mean bias of 1.034 with random error×/÷1.116.

Conclusions: These findings lend support to previous investigations of the MFT by identifying that in the population assessed it provides results that are repeatable but it routinely underestimates Vo_2max when compared to laboratory determinations. Unlike previous findings, however, these results show that when applying an arguably more appropriate analysis method, the MFT does not provide valid predictions of Vo_2max.

(Br J Sports Med 2005;39:e19) http://bjsm.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/39/1/e19

Motivation and satisfaction among polyclinic volunteers at the 2002 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games

J C Reeser, R L Berg, D Rhea, et al

Background: The Olympic and Paralympic Games rely heavily on volunteers to provide many essential services, including medical care of athletes.

Objective: This preliminary investigation sought to characterise the motivational influences and factors responsible for the satisfaction of Olympic and Paralympic healthcare volunteers.

Methods: The 2002 Winter Games polyclinic healthcare volunteers were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to elicit information about their motives for volunteering and the factors that contributed to their satisfaction with their volunteer experience.

Results: There was no significant difference in the motivation or satisfaction summary scores based on event worked. There was a strong positive correlation between motivation and satisfaction. Physician respondents had a lower mean motivation score than did non-physician volunteers.

Conclusions: There were no significant motivational differences between Olympic and Paralympic volunteers, but there were several differences noted between physician and non-physician volunteers. The 2002 polyclinic volunteers appear to have been motivated by a complex process best described as “enlightened self interest,” and all were generally well satisfied with their experience. These results may assist organisers of future Games in selecting appropriately motivated volunteer personnel and creating rewarding work environments for them.

(Br J Sports Med 2005;39:e20) http://bjsm.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/39/1/e20