Jane and Ken Meyer Wellness Center
Cooper 12-Minute Walk/Run
Purpose: to test aerobic fitness (the ability of the body to use oxygen to power it while running)
Description / procedure: Place markers at set intervals around the track to aid in measuring the completed distance. Participants run for 12 minutes, and the distance covered is recorded. Walking is allowed, though the participants must be encouraged to push themselves as hard as they can.
Variations / modifications: There are many variations of the walk / run test. See here for details. The test can also be conducted by running on a treadmill for 12 minutes, set to level 1 (1 percent) incline to mimic outdoor running.
Distance |
Rating |
| Greater 9 laps 3600 meters | College Track Team, VO2 Max 70 |
8.5 to 9 laps, 3400 meters |
College Athlete, VO2 Max 67 |
8 to 8.5 laps, 3200 meters |
College Student, VO2 Max 62 |
7 to 8 laps, 2800 meters |
Excellent, VO2 Max 55 |
5 to 7 laps |
Good to Very Good... VO2 Max 45 |
4 or 5 laps |
Average... VO2 Max 30 |
Source: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/vo2max.htm#impatient
The original article that describes this test: Cooper, K.H. (1968), "A means of assessing maximal oxygen uptake," Journal of the American Medical Association, 203:201-204.