Evaluation of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) using non-exercise fitness assessment (NEFA) among Indonesian students

The aim of this study was to assess the use of NEFA for the young population of Indonesia as well as to test its validity and reliability through comparison with laboratory tests. This study was divided into two phases: laboratory testing aimed at measuring VO2max on a treadmill using a velocity-dependent ramp test (INCS) method based on incremental protocols, and the NEFA measurement phase. The two phases were separated by a week. There was a significant correlation between the three variables: NEFA HRrest vs NEFA Non-HRrest (CC = 0.934; p = 0.001), NEFA Non-HRrest vs INCS test (CC = 0.476; p = 0.005), and NEFA HRrest vs INCS test (CC = 0.525; p = 0.002). The equation of NEFA HRrest and NEFA Non-HRrest was not accurate when performed on a young population with moderate physical activity levels (aerobic for 1–3 hours/week).