Home > Fitness Testing > Tests > Aerobic Endurance > Walk or Run Tests

There are quite a few variations of the walking or running test as a measure of aerobic fitness. Here is a general description of this type of test. For specific instructions for a particular walking or running test, see the tests listed in Related Pages below. Also see the comparison page for a overview of the walk and run tests.

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procedure: There are several tests which involve running for a set time (e.g. 9, 10, 12 minutes) or a set distance (1 mile, 1.5 mile, 1200m), and the distance covered or time required being recorded. The time required for these tests normally range from 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the population being tested.

modifications: In addition to different times and distances used for this test, different exercise modes such as swimming can be used. There are a few standard variations of this test, see the List of Walk and Run Tests below.

scoring: norms are available for many of these tests. It is important to compare results to normative tales that have the same test procedures and with a similar target group.

target population: This test can be modified to be suitable for most populations. For adults, the test should be at least 10 minutes to ensure the energy demands are primarily supplied by the aerobic system. Shorter runs are more suitable for children.

equipment required: oval or running track, marking cones, recording sheets, stopwatch.

validity: Published studies generally have a correlation of 0.65 or better for runs of greater than 9 minutes or a mile.

reliability: reliability would depend on practice and pacing strategies and motivation level. There should be good reliability if these issues are addressed.

advantages: large groups can be tested at once, and it is a very cheap and simple test to perform.

disadvantages: Practice and pacing are required, and performance on this test can be affected greatly by motivation.

List of Walk and Run Tests

Here are some of the specific walking / running endurance tests, some are conducted over a set distance and others over a set time period. Even more are listed on the aerobic fitness tests lists.

SET DISTANCE TESTS

• 800 meter run test
• Half Mile Walk
• 1000m (1km) Run Test
• 1.5km run test
• 1.6 km (1 mile) Run
• Endurance Run / Walk (1 mile)
• 1-Mile Walk Test
• Rockport Walk Test (1 mile)
• 2 km Walk Test
• 2km Run Test
• PRT 1.5 mile run test
• Cooper 2.4 km run test
• 3km Run Test
• APFT 2-Mile Run Test
• Marine PFT 3-Mile Run
• Track run for calculating Maximal Aerobic Speed

SET TIME TESTS

• 6-Minute Run Test
• 6-minute Walk Test
• 9-Minute Run Test
• Miller 20m Test (5 minutes)
• Cooper 12-minute test
• Balke Test (15 minute run)

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Similar Tests

• The Navy PRT Elliptical Trainer Test or Stationary Cycle Test.
• Lucas 12 test - not only includes 12 minutes of running like in the Cooper test, additionally there is 12 minutes of rowing and cycling exercise

Related Pages

• Read the Walk / Run Test Review page for a overview of the walk and run tests.
• Fitness tests involving walking
• More aerobic fitness tests