Relationship Between the Japanese Physical Fitness Test and the 3-Minute Burpee Test

Background Japan has conducted a national physical fitness survey every year since 1964, when the first Tokyo Summer Olympics were held. The survey is a test that evaluates eight physical fitness components: speed, total body endurance, instantaneous force, dexterity, muscle strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and agility, but it requires specialized equipment and space, and it takes time to measure them all. Aims The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the 3-minute burpee test (3MBT), which has been reported to be associated with various physical fitness components, and a "new physical fitness test." Materials and methods The relationship between the "new physical fitness test" and the 3MBT was examined in 122 college students (male=70, female=52) with no health problems. Results The "new physical fitness test" and the 3MBT showed a moderate relationship between the 20-m shuttle run (r = 0.685, p < 0.05), side stepping (r = 0.566, p < 0.05), standing long jump (r = 0.545, p < 0.05), grip strength (r = 0.461, p < 0.05), sit and reach (r = 0.305, p < 0.05), and sit-ups (r = 0.572, p < 0.05), indicating a moderate relationship. Because this study used the Pearson product-rate correlation analysis, it is not possible to definitively assert a relationship with physical fitness factors. Conclusions However, the 3MBT is a very useful test because it requires whole-body strength, power, endurance, and aerobic capacity.