VO₂ max from a one-mile jog

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 the factors influencing the results.

A study by George et al. (1993) used the heart rates, body weights, and one-mile jog times of 54 students to create a mathematical equation for VO₂ max. They then used the equation to forecast the VO₂ max of another 52 runners involved in the study. The equation proved very accurate when these predicted VO₂ max were compared with the runners' VO₂ max determined in the laboratory.

Objective

To monitor the development of the athlete's VO₂ max.

Required Resources

To conduct this test, you will require:

400 metres 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 a relaxed, 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 VO₂ max are:

Male Athletes VO₂ max = 108.844 - 0.1636W - 1.438T - 0.1928H
Female Athletes VO₂ max = 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

To obtain a predicted VO₂ max, enter the gender, weight, time to run one mile (decimal format), and heart rate at the end of the run and then select the Calculate button.

Gender	Weight	Time minutes	Heart Rate bpm

	Predicted VO₂ max	ml/kg/min

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

Analysis

Analysis of the test result compares it with the athlete's previous results for this test. It is expected that the analysis would indicate an improvement in the athlete's VO₂ max. with appropriate training between each test.

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 VO₂ max.

Reliability

Test reliability refers to how a test is consistent and stable in measuring its intended 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

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

VO₂ max from a one-mile jog - a free Microsoft Excel spreadsheet which you can download and use on your computer.

References

GEORGE, J.D. et al. (1993) VO₂ max estimation from a submaximal 1-mile track jog for fit college-age individuals, Med Sci Sports Exerc., 25 (3), p. 401-406

Page Reference

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

MACKENZIE, B. (2003) VO₂ max from a one mile jog [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/vo2mile.htm [Accessed

VO2 max from a one-mile jog