Difference Between Treadmill And Track Estimates Of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Using The 1.5-Mile Run/Walk Test

The 1.5-mile run/walk test is a field test used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. It is recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine and has been shown to produce valid estimates of VO2max; however, it is not clear if performing this test on a treadmill as opposed to a track will yield different results. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the difference between treadmill and track estimates of VO2max using the 1.5-mile run/walk test. METHODS: Participants (n = 12; mean age = 23.0 ± 3.4 years; 50.0% female) completed the 1.5-mile run/walk test two times, once on a treadmill and once on an indoor track, in random order. Each participant was blinded to their time in both settings and were instructed to complete the distance as fast as possible. The standard equation published by ACSM was used to calculate VO2max from completion time. Differences in VO2max and completion time between the two conditions were analyzed using paired samples t-tests. RESULTS: The results indicated a significant difference in both VO2max, t(11) = 4.32, p < .001, and completion time, t(11) = -4.45, p < .001, between the treadmill and indoor track. VO2max was higher by 3.54 ± 2.85 ml/kg/min and completion time was shorter by 1.65 ± 1.29 minutes on the indoor track. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, we do not recommend using the treadmill when conducting the 1.5-mile run/walk test. Further study is recommended to determine if the treadmill might produce more similar results in specific groups such as those who are treadmill users or if modifications to the testing protocol (i.e. familiarization or lack of blinding to time) might improve treadmill performance.