Standard Operating Procedure for Prediction of
VO2max Using the Multi-Stage Fitness Test
SOP Filename: 2013.1029SOP_multistage_fitness_test
Effective date: 02/04/2015
Review date: 01/04/2017
Assessor
Name: Richard Metcalfe
_______________________________________
Position: PhD Student
Reviewer
Name: Ben Lee
Position: Physiology Technician
Signature
Date 02/04/2015
______________________________
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Date
Approved by
Name: Exec Committee
_______________________________________
Position: DfH Committee
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2013.1029SOP_multi-stage_fitness_test
Prediction of VO2max Using the Multi-Stage Fitness
Test
This section deals with a protocol for prediction of VO 2max based upon that described by
(Ramsbottom et al, 1988). This is also known (sometimes) as the Multi-Stage Fitness Test.
The test is an adaptation of one previously described by Leger and Lambert (1982). It is a
progressive 20-metre shuttle run test requiring maximal effort by the subject.
Pre-test information
Before any test is run ensure that each participant has completed a consent form.
Equipment
Tape or CD player with required beep test tape/disc, 30m tape measure, stopwatch
(please amend as necessary)
Experimental protocol
1.
Make two taped lines on the floor exactly 20 metres apart.
2.
Ensure that the participant has not eaten within the past hour.
3.
Weigh the participant and record their weight on the form. The participant should
wear light clothing and appropriate training shoes.
4.
The test will incorporate its own warm-up by beginning at slow running speeds. The
speed will over the course of the exercise test increase continuously at increasing
workloads until exhaustion. Convey this information to the participant so that they
know what will be expected of them.
2013.1029SOP_multi-stage_fitness_test
5.
The workload increases every two minutes with a speed increase estimated to
increase the oxygen demand of exercise by approximately 3.5 ml kg-1min-1. Follow
the protocol presented on the tape and Table 1.
6.
When the test starts and the participant begins the exercise, start the stopwatch.
7.
Exhaustion is defined as the point where the participant can no longer continue to
exercise at the defined intensity. This is signified by a failure to achieve the required
distance in the time allowed on two consecutive occasions. Ensure that their heart
rate rises to (or is close to) +/- 5 beats per min of the participant’s “age predicted”
maximum heart rate (i.e. max HR = 220 minus their age).
8.
Record their heart rate at the end of each stage and accurately record the total
exercise time. Enter this information on the data sheet provided. VO2max is then
obtained from Table 1.
9.
At the end of the test make sure that the participant walks around for a couple of
minutes to warm down gradually.
NOTE: If the participant feels light headed at any time during the test or feels that they
wish to stop prior to exhaustion then the test should be terminated and they should lie
down on a mat with their feet elevated for approximately 5 minutes.
REFERENCES
Leger, L. A. and Lambert, J. (1982). A maximal multistage 20m shuttle run test to predict
VO2max. Eur. J. Appl. Physiol. 49: 1-5.
Ramsbottom, R., Brewer, J. and Williams, C. (1988). A progressive shuttle run test to
estimate maximum oxygen uptake. B. J. Sports. Med. 22: 141-144
End of Document
2013.1029SOP_multi-stage_fitness_test