Content
The Cooper test is a test that aims to assess the person's cardiorespiratory capacity by analyzing the distance covered during 12 minutes in a run or walk, being used to assess the person's physical fitness.
This test also allows to indirectly determine the maximum oxygen volume (VO2 max), which corresponds to the maximum oxygen uptake, transport and utilization capacity, during physical exercise, being a good indicator of the person's cardiovascular capacity.
How the test is done
To do the Cooper test, the person must run or walk, without interruption, for 12 minutes, on a treadmill or on a running track maintaining an ideal walking or running pace. After this period, the distance that has been covered must be recorded.
The distance covered and then applied to a formula that is used to calculate the maximum VO2, then the person's aerobic capacity is checked. Thus, to calculate the maximum VO2 taking into account the distance covered in meters by the person in 12 minutes, the distance (D) must be placed in the following formula: VO2 max = (D - 504) / 45.
According to the VO2 obtained, it is then possible for the physical education professional or physician accompanying the person to assess their aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health.
How to determine the maximum VO2?
The maximum VO2 corresponds to the maximum capacity that a person has to consume oxygen during the practice of physical exercise, which can be determined indirectly, through performance tests, as is the case of the Cooper test.
This is a parameter widely used to assess the person's maximum cardiorespiratory function, being a good indicator of cardiovascular capacity, since it is directly related to cardiac output, hemoglobin concentration, enzyme activity, heart rate, muscle mass and arterial oxygen concentration . Learn more about maximum VO2.
How to understand the result
The result of the Cooper test must be interpreted by the doctor or physical education professional taking into account the VO2 result and factors such as body composition, amount of hemoglobin, which has the function of transporting oxygen and maximum stroke volume, which may vary from man for woman.
The following tables allow to identify the quality of the aerobic capacity that the person presents in function of the distance covered (in meters) in 12 minutes:
1. Aerobic capacity in men
| Age |
---|
AEROBIC CAPACITY | 13-19 | 20-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 |
---|
Very weak | < 2090 | < 1960 | < 1900 | < 1830 | < 1660 |
---|
Weak | 2090-2200 | 1960-2110 | 1900-2090 | 1830-1990 | 1660-1870 |
---|
Average | 2210-2510 | 2120-2400 | 2100-2400 | 2000-2240 | 1880-2090 |
---|
Good | 2520-2770 | 2410-2640 | 2410-2510 | 2250-2460 | 2100-2320 |
---|
Great | > 2780 | > 2650 | > 2520 | > 2470 | > 2330 |
---|
2. Aerobic capacity in women
| Age |
---|
AEROBIC CAPACITY | 13-19 | 20-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 |
---|
Very weak | < 1610 | < 1550 | < 1510 | < 1420 | < 1350 |
---|
Weak | 1610-1900 | 1550-1790 | 1510-1690 | 1420-1580 | 1350-1500 |
---|
Average
| 1910-2080 | 1800-1970 | 1700-1960 | 1590-1790 | 1510-1690 |
---|
Good | 2090-2300 | 1980-2160 | 1970-2080 | 1880-2000 | 1700-1900 |
---|
Great | 2310-2430 | > 2170 | > 2090 | > 2010 | > 1910 |
---|
Bibliography>
- LIMA, Frederico L. Qualitative study proposal on the traditional and modified Cooper test on the treadmill. Course Conclusion Paper, 2010. Faculty of Physical Education, State University of Campinas.
- SILVA, Michel S. Relationship between Cooper's 12-minute test performance and anaerobic threshold in adults. R. da Physical Education / UEM Maringá. Vol. 20. 1. ed; 61-67, 2009