Shanghai is attempting to introduce the 20-meter shuttle run in middle schools to replace the long-distance run, a move that has sparked controversy as many doubt the new test is a solution to teenagers' poor physical condition.

Experts are revising the current system on teenagers' physical fitness and mapping out an exercise intervention plan, according to the Teenagers' Health Evaluation and Exercise Intervention National Key Laboratory under the Ministry of Education.

The 20-meter shuttle run pilot project is under way in the city's 18 schools, with about 5,000 students participating. It is expected to replace the current 800-meter runs for girls and 1,000-meter runs for boys.