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 test is to monitor the development of the athlete's VO2 max.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

400 metre track
a stop watch
an assistant

How to conduct the test

The Rockport Fitness Walking Test is conducted as follows:

Choose a windless day to conduct the test
Record your weight
Walk one mile (1609 metres) as fast as possible
Record the time to complete the one mile walk
Immediately on finishing the walk record your heart rate (beats per minute)
Determine you VO2 max from the calculator below

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.

The formula used to calculate VO2 max 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

VO2 max Calculator

For an estimate of your VO2 max enter your gender, age, weight, heart rate at the end of the test, the time to complete the walk and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender		Age	years	Weight

Heart Rate	bpm			Time	Mins secs

VO2 Max

mls/kg/min

For an analysis of your VO2 max score see the VO2 max page.

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.

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 Vo2 max see the VO2 max normative data tables.

Related Research Papers

Kilne, G., et al.: Estimation of VO2 max from a one mile track walk, gender, age and body weight. Med Sci. Sports Exerc., 19:253, 1987

Free Calculator

The Rockport Fitness Walking Test VO2 max Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can download and use on your computer.

Associated Pages

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