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.

A study conducted by George et al. (1993) used the heart rates, body weights, and one mile jog times from 54 students to create a mathematical equation for VO2max. They then used the equation 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 laboratory, the equation proved to be very accurate.

Objective

To monitor the development of the athlete's VO2max.

Required Resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• 400 metre track
• Stopwatch
• Weighing Scales
• Heart Rate Monitor
• Assistant

How to conduct the test

• 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 athlete jogs one mile at an easy, steady pace, making sure that they take longer than eight minutes (males), or more than nine minutes (females)
• The assistant stops the stopwatch when the athlete completes one mile, records the time and immediately records the athlete’s heart rate (bpm)

Assessment

The George et al. (1993) algorithms to calculate VO2max 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 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.

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

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
• Can be conducted almost anywhere

Disadvantages

• Specialist equipment required
• Specific facilities required
• Assistant required to administer the test

Free Calculator

Vo2max from a one mile jog - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet which you can download and use on your computer.

Referenced Material

1. GEORGE, J.D. et al. (1993) VO2max estimation from a submaximal 1-mile track jog for fit college-age individuals, Med Sci Sports Exerc., 25 (3), p. 401-406

Page Reference

The reference for this page is:

• MACKENZIE, B. (2003) VO2max from a one mile jog [WWW] Available from: http://www.brianmac.co.uk/vo2mile.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