Which type of fitness testing is most likely to assess cardiovascular endurance?

Distance running tests are specifically designed to assess cardiovascular endurance because they require sustained aerobic activity over a prolonged period. During these tests, participants engage in activities that elevate their heart rate and challenge their cardiovascular system. The ability to maintain a steady pace and continue running for an extended distance is a direct indicator of one’s cardiovascular fitness.

In contrast, flexibility tests focus on the range of motion in joints and muscle elasticity, which does not provide information about cardiovascular health. Sprinting tests primarily measure anaerobic capacity and speed, as they involve short bursts of high-intensity effort rather than sustained aerobic activity. Balance tests evaluate one's equilibrium and stability, again not related to cardiovascular endurance at all. Therefore, distance running is the key measure for assessing how well the heart and lungs deliver oxygen to the muscles during prolonged exercise.