Comparison of the Accuracy of the Bleep Test, Yo-Yo IR, and Cooper Test for Estimating VO₂max in Adolescents: A Literature Review

Syahrul Zaum; Andi Tilka Muftiah Ridjal; Uswatun Hasanah

doi:10.26858/cpjok.v18i2.981

Authors

Syahrul Zaum Universitas Negeri Makassar Author
Andi Tilka Muftiah Ridjal Universitas Negeri Makassar Author
Uswatun Hasanah Universitas Negeri Makassar Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26858/cpjok.v18i2.981

Keywords:

Accuracy; Bleep Test; Yo-Yo IR; Cooper Test; VO2 Max

Abstract

Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) is widely recognized as the most important indicator of cardiorespiratory fitness and aerobic capacity in adolescents. Although laboratory-based measurements remain the gold standard, their practical limitations have led to the widespread use of field-based assessments such as the Bleep Test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (Yo-Yo IR), and Cooper Test. However, evidence regarding the comparative accuracy of these tests in estimating VO₂max among adolescents remains inconsistent. Objective: This study aimed to compare the accuracy, validity, reliability, and practical applicability of the Bleep Test, Yo-Yo IR Test, and Cooper Test for estimating VO₂max in adolescent populations through a literature review approach. Methods: This study employed a literature review design following the PRISMA framework. Articles were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Google Scholar, and SINTA-indexed journals published between 2015 and 2025. Fifteen eligible studies involving 3,487 adolescents aged 10–19 years were included. Data were analyzed through qualitative narrative synthesis focusing on validity, reliability, and estimation accuracy. Results: The findings revealed that the Bleep Test demonstrated the highest accuracy, with validity coefficients ranging from r = 0.82–0.94, mean validity r = 0.88, reliability ICC = 0.88–0.96, and SEE = 2.5–4.1 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹. The Yo-Yo IR Test showed strong validity (r = 0.79–0.91) and reliability (ICC = 0.85–0.94), while the Cooper Test exhibited acceptable validity (r = 0.72–0.88) and reliability (ICC = 0.82–0.91), but higher estimation error (SEE = 3.8–5.6 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). Conclusion: The Bleep Test is the most accurate field-based method for estimating VO₂max in adolescents, followed by the Yo-Yo IR Test. The Cooper Test remains a practical option for large-scale school-based fitness assessments. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for selecting appropriate aerobic fitness assessment tools in adolescent populations.

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