The test designers had to consider the % VO2 max at which the childre would perform during the run, and the fact that economy of runni s improves with age. These steps al e though complicated, have led to sta e dards that are now used nationwide to classify children as to whether they have a sufficient level of cardi e respiratory fitness consistent with a low risk of disease (30). A recent s study (66) and a major review (22) s confirmed the validity of the crit fi rion-referenced standards. In additio e the FITNESSGRAM was shown to be valid and reliable when administered e by teachers in a typical school setting (82). For those interested in the history of the FITNESSGRAM, see the ar s ticle by Plowman et al. in Suggested Readings.