Aerobic Test - Treadmill VO2 max Test

Objective

To monitor the development of the athlete's general endurance (VO2max).

Required Resources

• Treadmill where speed and grade of slope can be adjusted
• Stopwatch
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

	The assistance sets the treadmill to a speed of 11.3 km/hour (7.02 miles/hr) and a slope of 0° The athlete warms up for 10 minutes The assistant gives the command "GO", starts the stopwatch and the athlete commences the test The assistant, at minute intervals, adjusts the treadmill slope as per the table opposite The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete is unable to continue (ideally between 9 and 15 minutes)
Time (minutes)		Slope
0		0°
1		2°
2		4°
3		6°
4		8°
5		10°
6		11°
7		12°
8		13°
9		14°
10		15°
11		16°
12		17°
13		18°
14		19°
15		20°

Assessment

From the total running time, an estimate of the athlete's Vo2max can be calculated as follows:

• VO2max = 42 + (Time × 2)

"Time" is the total time of the test expressed in minutes and fractions of a minute.

Example

The athlete stopped the test after 13 minutes 15 seconds of running (13.25 minutes).

• VO2max = 42 + (13.25 × 2)
• Vo2max = 68.5 mls/kg/min

Analysis

Analysis of the test result is by comparing it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's aerobic capacity (VO2max).

Target Group

This test is suitable for endurance athletes and players of endurance sports (e.g. football, rugby) but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to the degree to which a test is consistent and stable in measuring what it is intended to measure. Reliability will depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.

Validity

Test validity refers to the degree to which the test actually measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made on the basis of test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor the effect of training on the athlete's physical development and the norms given to indicate the level of the athletes.

Advantages

• Simple and minimal equipment required
• Easy to set up and conduct