VO2max from a one mile jog
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.
Using statistical techniques, Brigham Young University scientists used the heart rates, body weights, and one mile jog times from 54 students to create a fairly simple mathematical equation for VO2max. They then checked the predictive power of the equation by using it to forecast the VO2max of another 52 runners involved in the study. When these predicted VO2max were compared with the runners' VO2max determined in the exercise physiology laboratory, the equation was determined to be remarkably accurate.
Objective
To monitor the development of the athlete's VO2max.
Required Resources
To undertake this test you will require:
- 400 metre track
- Stop watch
- Heart Rate Monitor
How to conduct the test
- Warm up by jogging for a couple of minutes
- Jog one mile at an easy, steady pace, making sure that you take longer (yes longer) than eight minutes (males), or more than nine minutes (females).
- Record how long it actually takes you to jog one mile
- Record your heart rate immediately on completing the mile
Analysis
Analysis of the result is by comparing it with the result of previous tests. It is expected that, with appropriate training between each test, the analysis would indicate an improvement.
The algorithms to calculate VO2 max are:
- Male Athletes VO2max = 108.844 - 0.1636W - 1.438T - 0.1928H
- Female Athletes VO2max = 100.5 - 0.1636W - 1.438T - 0.1928H
Where W = Weight in kg, T = Time for the one mile run and H = Heart Rate at the end of the run
For an analysis of your VO2 max score see the VO2 max page.
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.
The test result will be most accurate for athletes aged 18 to 29, but older athletes can still use this test to monitor gains in fitness and obtain an estimate for their VO2max.
Reliability
Reliability would depend upon, how strict the test is conducted and the individual's level of motivation to perform the test.
Validity
There are published VO2max tables and the correlation to actual VO2max is high. For an assessment of your Vo2 max see the VO2 max normative data tables.
Free Calculator
Vo2 max from a one mile jog - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet which you can download and use on your computer.
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Associated Links
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