Sports Coach Blog
Website UpdatesTreadmill VO2max 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
To monitor the development of the athlete's general endurance (VO2max).
Required ResourcesTo undertake this test you will require:
|
  |
How to conduct the test
|
This test requires the athlete to run on a treadmill, which at one minute intervals has its slope increased, for as long as possible.
|
|
Convert treadmill slope
Assessment
From the total running time, an estimate of the athlete's Vo2max can be calculated as follows:
- VO2max = 42 + (Time × 2)
"Time" is the total time of the test expressed in minutes and fractions of a minute.
Example
The athlete stopped the test after 13 minutes 15 seconds of running (13.25 minutes).
- VO2max = 42 + (13.25 × 2)
- Vo2max = 68.5 mls/kg/min
For an analysis of your VO2max score see the VO2max page.
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 VO2max.
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. 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
Disadvantages
- Specialist equipment required
- Assistant required to administer the test
Free Calculator
- Treadmill VO2max Calculator - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that you can download and use on your computer.
Page Reference
The reference for this page is:
- MACKENZIE, B. (2002) Treadmill VO2max Test [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/treadmill.htm [Accessed
Associated Pages
The following Sports Coach pages should be read in conjunction with this page:
 |
 |