cooper's test for aerobic energy system

description / 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. See also the submaximal walk tests below.
scoring:
Norms for boys and girls for the 1-mile run and 9 minute run are published in the AAHPERD Manual (1980). There are some equations that can be used to estimate VO2max from performance in these tests, for example for the 12-minute run, VO2max (in ml/kg/min) = (35.97 x miles) - 11.29.
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, stop watch.
validity:
Cooper (1968) reported a correlation of 0.90 between VO2max and the distance covered in a 12 min walk/run. Other 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 is required, and performance on this test can be affected greatly by motivation.
references:
Cooper, K.H. (1968) A means of assessing maximal oxygen uptake. Journal of the American Medical Association 203:201-204.

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