Astrand Treadmill Test

The objective of this test is to monitor the development of the athlete’s general endurance(VO₂max).

Required resources

• Treadmill where the speed can be set at 5mph(8,05 km/h) and a grade of slope of 0%
• The athlete commences the test
• After 3 minutes the grade is set to 2.5% and then every 2 minutes the grade is increased by 2.5%
• The assistant starts the stop watch at the start of the test and stops it when the athlete is unable to continue

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.

From the total running time an estimate of the athlete’s VO₂max can be calculated as follows:

-          VO₂max = (Time x 1.444) + 14.99

-          “Time” is the total time of the test expressed in minutes and fractions of a minute

Example:

The athlete stopped the test after 12 minutes and 20 seconds of running(12.33 minutes).

-          VO₂max = (12.33 x 1.444) + 14.99

-          VO₂max = 32,79452 mls/kg/min

Target group

This test is suitable for endurance athletes and players of endurance sports(soccer, rugby…).

Reliability

Reliability would depend upon how strict the test is conducted and the individual’s level of motivation to perform the test.