The 1-mile walk test is a valid predictor of VO(2max) and is a reliable alternative fitness test to the 1.5-mile run in U.S. Air Force males

Mil Med. 2011 Jun;176(6):669-73. doi: 10.7205/milmed-d-10-00444.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of the 1-mile walk (Rockport Walk Test) as a predictor of VO(2max) and determine whether the 1-mile walk is a reliable alternative to the 1.5-mile run in moderately fit to highly fit U.S. Air Force males. Twenty-four (33.0 +/- 1.5 years) males completed a maximal treadmill VO(2max) (50.3 +/- 1.4 mL/ kg/min), 1-mile walk, and 1.5-mile run. For the 1-mile walk, there were no significant differences between measured and predicted VO(2max) (p = 0.177, r = 0.817). There were no significant differences (p = 0.573) between points scored in the Air Force Fitness Test for the 1-mile walk and 1.5-mile run tests. In conclusion, the 1-mile walk test is a valid predictor of VO(2max) and can be used as an alternative fitness test to the 1.5-mile run in assessing cardiovascular fitness in Air Force males.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Exercise Test / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Military Personnel*
  • Oxygen Consumption / physiology*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • United States
  • Walking / physiology*