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.

101 Performance Evaluation Tests

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

Associated Pages

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

Associated Books

The following books provide more information related to this topic:

  • Advanced Studies in Physical Education and Sport, P Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 4482345
  • Physical Education and the Study of Sport, B. Davis et al., ISBN 0 7234 31752
  • Essentials of Exercise Physiology, W.D. McArdle et al., ISBN 0 683 30507 7
  • Physical Education and Sport Studies, D. Roscoe et al., ISBN 1 901424 20 0
  • The World of Sport Examined, P. Beashel et al., ISBN 0 17 438719 9
  • Advanced PE for Edexcel, F. Galligan et al., ISBN 0 435 50643 9
  • Examining Physical Education, K. Bizley, ISBN 0 435 50660 9
  • Sport and PE, K Wesson et al., ISBN 0 340 683821
  • PE for you, J. Honeybourne, ISBN 0 7487 3277 2