Conconi 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 Conconi test (Conconi et al, 1982) is a simple method for measuring the approximate values of an individual's maximum, anaerobic and aerobic threshold rates. This test has been shown to be flawed (Jones and Doust, 1995).

Required Resources

To perform the test you require

A Heart Rate Monitor (HRM)
A 400 metre track or Treadmill
Stop watch
Assistant to record 200 metre times and heart rate

Before you start the test you need to determine your starting speed and how much you increment your speed by every 200 metres.

Using your best 10 km time the Conconi Test Pace Calculator can determine the time for each 200 metres for the track test and the speed for the treadmill test.

Conducting the Conconi Test on a 400m Track

In the Conconi test, the athlete increases their speed gradually every 200 metres and the heart rate and time, at each 200 metre point, are recorded. This gradual increase in speed every 200 metres is maintained until the athlete is unable to maintain the pace. The total distance covered by the test should be between 2.5 km and 4 km to ensure sufficient information is available for subsequent calculations. Speed versus heart rate is then plotted on a graph from which the athlete's anaerobic threshold can be determined.

Perform a five to ten minute warm up program
Set the HRM to use a 5 second recording interval
Start the HRM watch at the starting point
Every 200 metres record the time and heart rate
Every 200 metres increase your speed
End the test when you can no longer maintain the pace
Stop the HRM recording
Perform a 10 minute cool down program

Conducting the Conconi Test on a Treadmill

Perform a five to ten minute warm up program
Set the HRM to use a 5 second recording interval
Start the treadmill speed at the required start speed
Start the HRM stop watch
Record the time and heart rate every 200 metres
Increase the treadmill speed every 200 metres by 0.5km/hr
End the test when you have reached your maximum heart rate or you can continue no longer
Stop the HRM recording
Perform a 10 minute cool down program

Calculation of Anaerobic Threshold

Determine the speed for each 200 metres and then for each 200 metres plot speed versus heart rate on a graph. You will find the graph gradually rises to start with and then flattens before rising again. This flattening in the graph indicates the athlete's anaerobic threshold. In the example conconi graph below this flattening appears to be around 182 bpm.

Conconi Graph

Alternatively you can use the supplied Conconi AT Calculator to plot and determine the athlete's Anaerobic Threshold.

Calculation of Aerobic Threshold

A good estimate for aerobic threshold has proved to be the anaerobic threshold minus 20 bpm.

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the results of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.

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. It has been shown that there is a lack of reliability in Conconi's heart rate deflection point (Jones, A and Doust, J [1995]).

Related Research Papers

Conconi, F, et al (1982) "Determination of the anaerobic threshold by a non-invasive field test in runners". Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 52, pp 869-873.
Jones, A and Doust, J (1995) "Lack of reliability in Conconi's heart rate deflection point". International Journal of Sports Medicine, Vol 16, pp 541-544

Free Calculator

The following are free Microsoft Excel spreadsheets that you can download and use on your computer.

Associated Pages

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