Rockport Fitness Walking 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 Rockport Fitness Walking Test (Kilne 1987)^[1] is to monitor the development of the athlete's VO2max.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 400 metre track
• Stopwatch
• Weighing scales
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to walk one mile (1609 metres) as fast as possible.

• The assistant weighs and records the athlete’s weight
• The athlete warms up for 10 minutes
• The assistant gives the command “GO”, starts the stopwatch and the athlete commences the test  
• The assistant records the time taken for the athlete to complete the test and the athlete’s heart rate immediately on finishing

Assessment

The formula (Kilne 1987)^[1] used to calculate VO2max is:

• 132.853 - (0.0769 × Weight) - (0.3877 × Age) + (6.315 × Gender) - (3.2649 × Time) - (0.1565 × Heart rate)

Where:

• Weight is in pounds (lbs)
• Gender Male = 1 and Female = 0
• Time is expressed in minutes and 100ths of minutes
• Heart rate is in beats/minute
• Age is in years

For an analysis of your VO2max score see the VO2max page.

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 sedentary individuals 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. For an assessment of your Vo2max see 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
• Assistant required to administer the test

Free Calculator

• The Rockport Fitness Walking Test VO2max Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can download and use on your computer.

Referenced Material

1. KILNE, G. et al. (1987) Estimation of VO2max from a one mile track walk, gender, age and body weight. Med Sci. Sports Exerc., 19, p. 253-259

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2000) Rockport Fitness Walking Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/rockport.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