How does the BEEP test estimate VO2max?
The BEEP test is a maximal effort field test where the athlete begins shuttle runs between two cones set 20 metres apart. It commences at a relatively low workload of 8.0km/h and gradually increases the workload by 0.5km/h at each new level (there are 21 levels in total) until a maximal effort is achieved and the athlete cannot continue, or falls two steps behind the beeps on two consecutive runs. This is known as volitional fatigue. At this stage, the athlete has reached the point of highest oxygen consumption (VO2max). Maximal effort tests provide the most accurate estimate of VO2max outside of the sports physiology labs, providing maximal effort has been achieved. A simple criteria to measure whether the athlete has reached maximal effort is to measure their heart rate, which should be within 10 beats per minute of their estimated maximal heart rate according to their age. (This provides a guide only, because heart rate can be affected by weather conditions and altitude). Tables have been developed from specific mathematical equations to then convert the BEEP test result into as estimate of VO2max taking into consideration age and gender.
Is this a good test?
The BEEP test does provide a reasonably accurate estimate of VO2max. It is a simple, inexpensive test to administer, and it is easily repeatable, making it scientifically reliable. Many studies have been conducted to assess whether the BEEP test does accurately estimate the VO2max. Leger and Lambert assessed the BEEP test as a predictor of VO2max, and from their research concluded “The BEEP test is a valid and reliable test for the prediction of VO2max of male and female adults, both individually and in groups”. Many subsequent studies have shown it to be a reliable indicator of maximal oxygen consumption, making it a valid test of VO2max. The final fundamental of a good scientific test is specificity. Because VO2max levels are specific to the activity you undertake, the BEEP test is a more accurate measure of VO2max when the activity undertaken in the test closely resembles the activity undertaken in the sport you play. Therefore it is particularly reliable for athletes who run, and play football or rugby for example. If the test is varied to use bicycles for cyclists, swimming shuttles for swimmers, etc. then its accuracy is enhanced because specificity has been taken into account for the athlete being tested.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this testing procedure?
The advantages of the BEEP test include the fact that it is relatively cheap to undertake and minimal equipment (2 cones, and recording of test) and space (20 metres) is required. The test is easy to understand and follow, so fewer errors can be made; it is easy to replicate, and therefore results for an individual can be compared to assess whether a training program has been successful in improving an athlete’s VO2max. It is also easy to test large groups at once, so is helpful in a team situation and is less time consuming than attending a sports physiology lab individually.
The disadvantages of the BEEP test include the requirement for a maximal all out effort by the athlete. Therefore, any injury or illness will impair performance, and low motivation may also lead to false results. In addition, it is helpful when assessing VO2max that the activity undertaken is similar to the sport in which the athlete competes. Therefore, it is most reliable if the athlete is a runner, but may produce less reliable estimates of VO2max if the athlete is a rower for example. More accurate estimates of the athlete’s true VO2max would be achieved if the test could be adapted to measure an activity that closely replicates the athlete’s chosen sport. (So, for example, a rower may undergo a test on an erg, rather than running). It is also difficult to standardise because of differences in weather conditions and testing facilities.
The BEEP test is a maximal effort field test where the athlete begins shuttle runs between two cones set 20 metres apart. It commences at a relatively low workload of 8.0km/h and gradually increases the workload by 0.5km/h at each new level (there are 21 levels in total) until a maximal effort is achieved and the athlete cannot continue, or falls two steps behind the beeps on two consecutive runs. This is known as volitional fatigue. At this stage, the athlete has reached the point of highest oxygen consumption (VO2max). Maximal effort tests provide the most accurate estimate of VO2max outside of the sports physiology labs, providing maximal effort has been achieved. A simple criteria to measure whether the athlete has reached maximal effort is to measure their heart rate, which should be within 10 beats per minute of their estimated maximal heart rate according to their age. (This provides a guide only, because heart rate can be affected by weather conditions and altitude). Tables have been developed from specific mathematical equations to then convert the BEEP test result into as estimate of VO2max taking into consideration age and gender.
Is this a good test?
The BEEP test does provide a reasonably accurate estimate of VO2max. It is a simple, inexpensive test to administer, and it is easily repeatable, making it scientifically reliable. Many studies have been conducted to assess whether the BEEP test does accurately estimate the VO2max. Leger and Lambert assessed the BEEP test as a predictor of VO2max, and from their research concluded “The BEEP test is a valid and reliable test for the prediction of VO2max of male and female adults, both individually and in groups”. Many subsequent studies have shown it to be a reliable indicator of maximal oxygen consumption, making it a valid test of VO2max. The final fundamental of a good scientific test is specificity. Because VO2max levels are specific to the activity you undertake, the BEEP test is a more accurate measure of VO2max when the activity undertaken in the test closely resembles the activity undertaken in the sport you play. Therefore it is particularly reliable for athletes who run, and play football or rugby for example. If the test is varied to use bicycles for cyclists, swimming shuttles for swimmers, etc. then its accuracy is enhanced because specificity has been taken into account for the athlete being tested.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this testing procedure?
The advantages of the BEEP test include the fact that it is relatively cheap to undertake and minimal equipment (2 cones, and recording of test) and space (20 metres) is required. The test is easy to understand and follow, so fewer errors can be made; it is easy to replicate, and therefore results for an individual can be compared to assess whether a training program has been successful in improving an athlete’s VO2max. It is also easy to test large groups at once, so is helpful in a team situation and is less time consuming than attending a sports physiology lab individually.
The disadvantages of the BEEP test include the requirement for a maximal all out effort by the athlete. Therefore, any injury or illness will impair performance, and low motivation may also lead to false results. In addition, it is helpful when assessing VO2max that the activity undertaken is similar to the sport in which the athlete competes. Therefore, it is most reliable if the athlete is a runner, but may produce less reliable estimates of VO2max if the athlete is a rower for example. More accurate estimates of the athlete’s true VO2max would be achieved if the test could be adapted to measure an activity that closely replicates the athlete’s chosen sport. (So, for example, a rower may undergo a test on an erg, rather than running). It is also difficult to standardise because of differences in weather conditions and testing facilities.