Cunningham and Faulkner 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 this test (Cunningham & Faulkner 1969) is to monitor the development of the athlete's anaerobic capacity.

Required Resources To undertake this test you will require: Treadmill Stopwatch Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to run on a treadmill set at a speed of 8 miles/hour and an incline of 20% until unable to continue

• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The assistant sets the treadmill speed to 8.0 miles/hr (12.9 km/hr) and an incline of 20%
• The athlete conducts a few practice starts getting onto the treadmill at the test speed
• The assistant gives the command "GO", starts the stopwatch and the athlete commences the test
• The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete is unable to continue

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 anaerobic capacity.

Target Group

This test is suitable for active athletes 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.

Advantages

• Minimal equipment required
• Simple to set up and conduct

Disadvantages

• Specialist equipment required - treadmill
• Assistant required to administer the test

Referenced Material

1. CUNNINGHAM, D.A. and FAULKNER, J.A. (1969) The effect of training on aerobic and anaerobic metabolism during a short exhaustive run. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 1 (2), p. 57-64

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2005) Cunningham and Faulkner Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/cunandf.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