Astrand Treadmill Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made but in the analysis we need to bear in mind the factors that may influence the results.

Objective

The objective of the Astrand Treadmill Test (Astrand 1952)^[2] is to monitor the development of the athlete's general endurance (VO2max).

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require: Treadmill Stopwatch Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to run as long as possible on a treadmill whose slope increments at timed intervals

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The assistant sets up the treadmill with a speed of 8.05km/hr (5 mph) and an incline of 0%
• The assistant gives the command “GO”, starts the stopwatch and the athlete commences the test
• The assistant, after 3 minutes into the test, adjusts the treadmill incline to 2.5% and then every 2 minutes thereafter increases the incline by 2.5%
• The assistant stops the stopwatch and records the time when the athlete is unable to continue

Assessment

From the total running time an estimate of the athlete's VO2max can be calculated as follows:

• VO2max=(Time × 1.444) + 14.99

where "Time" is the recorded test time 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=(13.25 × 1.444) + 14.99
• VO2max=34.123 mls/kg/min

For an analysis of your VO2max score go to the VO2max page.

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 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. There are published VO2max tables and the correlation to actual VO2max is high. For an assessment of your VO2max check out the VO2max normative data tables. A study by Noakesa (1990)^[1] found a high correlation between the test results and running performance.

Advantages

• Minimal equipment required
• Simple to set up and conduct

Disadvantages

• Specialist equipment required
• Assistant required to administer the test

Free Calculator

• Astrand Treadmill VO2max Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can download and use on your computer.

Referenced Material

1. NOAKESA, T.D. and MYBURGHA, K.H. and SCHALLl, R. (1990) Peak treadmill running velocity during the VO2 max test predicts running performance. Journal of Sports Sciences, 8 (1), p. 35-45
2. Astrand, P.(1952) Experimental studies of physical working capacity in relation to sex and age. Munksgaard, Copenhagen.

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2002) Astrand Treadmill Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/astrand.htm [Accessed

Associated Pages

The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:

• Articles on Performance Evaluation
• Evaluation and Performance Tests