Balke VO2max 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 Balke VO2max Test (Balke 1963)^[1] is to monitor the development of the athlete's VO2max.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require :

• 400m track
• Stopwatch
• Whistle
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to run as far as possible in 15 minutes

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The assistant gives the command "GO", starts the stopwatch and the athlete commences the test
• The assistant:
• keeps the athlete informed of the time at the end of each 400m lap
• blows the whistle after 15 minutes
• records the total distance achieved in 15 minutes to the nearest 10 metres

Assessment

The formula (Horwill 1992)^[2] used to calculate VO2max is:

• (((Total distance covered ÷ 15) - 133) × 0.172) + 33.3

For an analysis of your VO2max score see 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. The following link provides a variety of factors that may influence the results and therefore the test reliability.

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.

Advantages

• Minimal equipment required
• Simple to set up and conduct
• More than one athlete can conduct the test at the same time
• The test can be administered by the athlete

Disadvantages

• Specific facilities required - 400m track
• Assistant required to administer the test

Free Calculator

• Balke VO2max Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet which you can download and use on your computer.

Referenced Material

1. BALKE, B. (1963) A simple field test for the assessment of physical fitness. PMID, 14131272
2. HORWILL F. (1991) Obsession for Running - A Lifetime in Athletics. London: Colin Davies Printers

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2000) Balke VO2max Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/balke.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