Multi- Stage Fitness Test

The objective of the Multi-Stage Fitness Test(MSFT) is to monitor the development of the athlete’s maximum oxygen uptake(VO₂max).

Required resources

To undertake this test you will require:

• Flat, non slippery surface at least 20 metres in length
• 30 metre tape pressure
• Marking cones
• Pre-recorded audio tape or CD
• Tape recorder
• Recording sheets
• Assistant
• Calculator.

How to conduct the test

The test is made up of 23 levels where each level lasts approx. one minute. Each level comprises of a series of 20m shuttles where the starting speed is 8.5km/h and increases by 0.5km/h at each level. On the tape/CD a single beep indicates the end of a shuttle and 3 beeps indicates the start of the next level.

The test is conducted as follows:

• Measure out a 20 metres section and mark each end with a marker cone
• The athlete carries out a warm up program of jogging and stretching exercises
• The test is conducted
• The athlete must place one foot on or beyong the 20m marker at the end of each shuttle
• If the athlete arrives at the end of a shuttle before the beep, the athlete must wait for the bleep and then resume running
• The athlete keeps running for as long as possible until he/she can longer keep up with the speed set by the tape at which point they should voluntarily withdraw
• If the athlete fails to reach the end of the shuttle before the beep they should be allowed 2 or 3 further shuttles to attempt to regain the required pace before being withdrawn
• Record the level and number of shuttles completed at that level by the athlete
• At the end of the test the athletes conduct a warm down program, including stretching exercises.

Analysis

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

The algorithm below will provide you with an estimate of your VO₂max. Please note that, when compared to the MSF Table values, the calculator result can be in error by up to ±0,3 mls/kg/min:

VO₂max = 18.043461 + (0.3689295 x TS) + ( -0.000349 x TS x TS)

Where TS is the total number of shuttles completed.

Example:

You finished at: Level 10 shuttle 5

From the table below determine the number of shuttles for the level you reached. In this example Level 10 is 95 shuttles.

Level	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11
Shuttles	8	16	24	33	42	52	62	73	84	95	107

Level	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22
Shuttles	119	132	145	158	172	186	201	216	232	248	264

Your total number of shuttles (TS) is 95+5 = 100

You can then calculate your VO₂max as follows:

VO₂max = 18.043461 + (0.3689295 x 100) + (-0.000349 x 100 x 100)

VO₂max = 48.114 mls/kg/min(±0,3 mls/kg/min)

Normative data for the multi-stage fitness test

The following are national team scores for the MSFT.

Sport	Male	Female
Basketball	Level 11- Shuttle 5	Level 9 – Shuttle 6
Hockey	Level 13 – Shuttle 9	Level 12 – Shuttle 7
Rugby League	Level 13 – Shuttle 1
Netball		Level 9 – Shuttle 7
Squash	Level 13 – Shuttle 13

Target group

This test is suitable for endurance athletes and players of endurance sports(eg soccer,rugby…) but not for individuals where the test would be contraindicated. A degree of caution is required in administering the test, in that you have to push yourself relatively hard to the point where you can no longer maintain the pace dictated by the tape. If you are suffering from any injury or illness, or if you have any reason to think you may not be in a good general state of health, you should consult a doctor before doing this test.

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual’s level of motivation to perform the test. As the audio-tapes may stretch over time, the tapes need to be calibrated which involves timing a one-minute interval and making adjustment to the distance between markers. The recording is also available on compact disc, which does not require calibration.