Balke's Field Test for Determination of VO2max
The purpose of this test is to determine a person's VO2 max without the use of any sophisticated laboratory equipment. All that is needed is a measured track and a stopwatch.
Steps:
1. Subject runs as far as possible in 15 minutes. The distance is accurately recorded
2. Distance is converted to meters. There are 1609 meters in a mile.
3. Total meters are divided by 15 to get meters per minute.
4. The first 150 meters (base) is equivalent to 33.3 ml/kg/min.
5. For every meter over 150 meters, multiply by .178 ml and add to the base of 33.3 ml.
6. For every meter under 150 meters, multiply by .178 ml and subtract from base.
Example - Subject A covers 4800 meters in 15 minutes, which is 320 meters/minute. You subtract 320-150=170. Multiply by .178(.178 x 170 meters=30.26) Base 33.3+30.26 ml = vo2 of 63.56 ml.
Reference:
Vigil, Joe (1995) Road to the Top. P. 23