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Rockport Fitness Walking Test

Testing and measurement are the means of collecting information upon which subsequent performance evaluations and decisions are made. In the analysis, we need to consider factors influencing the results.

Objective

The Rockport Fitness Walking Test (Kilne 1987)[1] aims to monitor the athlete's VO2 max development.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

  • 400-metre track
  • Stopwatch
  • Weighing Scales
  • Assistant

How to conduct the test

This test requires the athlete to walk one mile (1609 metres) as fast as possible.

  • 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 assistant records the time taken for the athlete to complete the test and the athlete's heart rate immediately after finishing

Assessment

I have been unable to locate any normative data for this test.

The formula (Kilne 1987)[1] used to calculate VO2 max is:

  • 132.853 - (0.0769 × Weight) - (0.3877 × Age) + (6.315 × Gender) - (3.2649 × Time) - (0.1565 × Heart rate)

Where:

  • Weight is in pounds (lbs)
  • Gender Male = 1 and Female = 0
  • Time is expressed in minutes and 100ths of minutes
  • Heart rate is in beats/minute
  • Age is in years

VO2 max Calculator

For an estimate of your VO2 max, enter your gender, age, weight, and heart rate at the end of the test, the time to complete the walk and then select the 'Calculate' button.

Gender   Age years   Heart Rate bpm
Weight   Time Mins Secs
  VO2 max mls/kg/min

For an analysis of your VO2 max score, see the VO2 max page.

Analysis

Analysis of the result is by comparing it with previous tests' results. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement with appropriate training between each test.

Target Group

This test is suitable for sedentary individuals 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 various factors influencing the results and test reliability.

Validity

Test validity refers to how the test measures what it claims to measure and the extent to which inferences, conclusions, and decisions made based on test scores are appropriate and meaningful. This test provides a means to monitor training on the athlete's physical development. For assessing your VO2 max, see the VO2 max normative data tables.

Advantages

  • Minimal equipment required
  • Simple to set up and conduct
  • More than one athlete can conduct the test at the same time
  • The athlete can administer the test

Disadvantages

  • Specific facilities required
  • Assistant required to administer the test

Free Calculator

References

  1. KILNE, G. et al. (1987) Estimation of VO2 max from a one-mile track walk, gender, age and body weight. Med Sci. Sports Exerc., 19, p. 253-259

Page Reference

If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:

  • MACKENZIE, B. (2000) Rockport Fitness Walking Test [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/rockport.htm [Accessed