Rockport Walk Test
What is it testing?
This test was developed to establish the VO 2max of an individual.
Advantages and Disadvantages
One good point of this test is that it is relatively low intensity, which means people of any age or any fitness level can participate. It is also another fairly easy test to carry out, although more than one person is desirable to assist with the different duties.
A disadvantage is that the test requires participants to walk fast which may seem unnatural and not very football specific. Due to the fast walking it can sometimes strain the muscles in the shin, which may cause pain. Other weaknesses are that the test is only a prediction and more information is required to calculate the results than in other tests.
Procedure
The participants need to walk as quickly as possible to complete a 1600m course. This needs to be measured as accurately as possible to ensure the reliability of the test. Any size/shape course can be made, for example a rectangle with two 50m lengths and two 30m lengths results in one lap being 160m (therefore they would need to complete 10 laps), or a 400m running track can be used (thus requiring the completion of only four laps). Ensure that each participants lap count is being recorded so that you know how many has been completed by everyone this eliminates the possibility of cheating. One process to ensure this is to ask the assistant to create a tally chart to count when everyone passes the start point.
On completion of the test the time achieved and the individuals’ heart rate (HR) must be recorded immediately. Heart rate can be calculated by locating the pulse on their wrist and counting the beats for 15 seconds. Multiply this figure by four (to give a per minute reading) and record the result. This data is needed to calculate the VO 2max score after completion.
Required Equipment / Facilities / Personnel
- Long tape measure
- Marking cones
- Stop watch
- Assistant
- Recording sheets
Analysing Results
To calculate the VO 2max scores for each person the results need to be input into an equation. An easy way to do this is by using a spreadsheet on a computer; otherwise it can be an arduous process. The other important thing to note is that the walk time must be input into the equation using a number in the decimal base. Eg 13min 30s would be written as 13.5. The equation is as follows:
VO 2max =
132.853- (0.16953 x weight) – (0.3877 x age) – (3.2649 x walk time) – (0.1565 x HR) [if male add 6.315].
eg. If a male weighs 70kg, is 20years old, finished the walk in 13.30min and had a HR of 156 then the result would be as follows.
132.853 – (0.16953 x 70) – (0.3877 x 20) – (3.2649 x 13.5) – (0.1565 x 156) + 6.315 132.853 – (11.867) – (7.754) – (44.07615) – (24.414) + 6.315 VO 2max =51.06ml.kg -1.min -1