Medical-Fitness Technician
Certification Course
Part C: Assessing Medical-Fitness (LM:25-34)
Certification Course
Part C: Assessing Medical-Fitness (LM:25-34)
Learning Module 30:
Aerobic Fitness - Treadmill
Aerobic Fitness - Treadmill
Study the Learning Module and take the Quiz.
Learning Objective:
- Properly conduct the Treadmill Test.
- Calculate the Aerobic Fitness Score.
BMI > 35: The Treadmill Test for Aerobic Fitness for individuals with a BMI > 35 and/or unable to participate in calisthenic type exercises is a 10-minute Treadmill Test during which the participant tries to cover as much distance as possible by walking on a treadmill at variable speeds to match their aerobic fitness level until time runs out.
BMI < 35: The Treadmill Test for Aerobic Fitness for individuals with a BMI < 35 and otherwise healthy enough to participate in calisthenic type exercises is a 4-minute Run during which the participant tries to cover as much distance as possible by running, jogging, walking on a treadmill at personally adjusted speeds and at 0 elevation until the time runs out. This test is used as an alternative to the Shuttle Test if/when an appropriate outdoor course is not available due to space or weather.
Treadmill Requirements:
Test Instructions (for participants with a BMI < 35):
Test Protocol (for participants with a BMI < 35):
Scoring the Test Result:
Aerobic Fitness Score Interpretation:
Treadmill Requirements:
- Most commercial grade running treadmills are adequate to conduct this test.
- The treadmill needs to be adjusted to 0 elevation.
- The speed of the treadmill needs to be variable from 0.5 mph to at least 10 mph.
- The distance indicator on the treadmill needs to be calibrated and accurate to 0.01 miles (17.6 yards).
- The treadmill must have an emergency shut-off safety strap.
- The treadmill must be positioned with adequate space and in a room with adequate ventilation.
Test Instructions (for participants with a BMI < 35):
- Make sure the treadmill is in good condition and operating properly.
- Demonstrate how to perform this test by operating the treadmill for a couple of minutes.
- Keep the elevation of the treadmill at 0.
- Explain that they want to cover as much distance as comfortably possible in 4 minutes.
- Explain that the timer on the treadmill will be covered during the test.
- Explain and demonstrate that they can adjust the speed up or down to run, jog, or walk as they are able.
- Explain that they can stop and rest if needed, but if they do, the clock keeps running.
- Instruct the participant that when they are told their 4 minutes has expired, that they should "note the distance", but that they should not stop immediately, but rather, they should press the "Cool-Down" button and keep walking for a few minutes as their heart rate recovers.
- Let the participant practice on the treadmill for a couple of minutes as a warm-up and then to "Stop" the treadmill.
- Explain that you will start the clock when he/she "officially" presses the Start button and takes his/her first step.
Test Protocol (for participants with a BMI < 35):
- Stand next to the treadmill with the control panel/dashboard in your full view. (Use a stable chair if necessary.)
- Cover the timer on the treadmill panel/dashboard so that the participant will not be able to see the elapsed time.
- Confirm that the participant understands the procedure and ask if he/she is ready to begin.
- After the participant has warmed up, ask him/her to stop the treadmill, and then to restart it when he/she is ready.
- Start a hand-held 4-minute timer when the participant re-starts the treadmill and has taken at least 1 step.
- Observe the participant at all times and check their speed and distance periodically.
- Do not inform the participant how much time is remaining on the clock.
- At the end of the 4 minutes, say out loud: "3, 2, 1, Stop."
- Note the distance on the treadmill panel/dashboard at the moment you say "Stop."
- Watch the distance indicator until it increases by 0.01 miles. If it turns within a few steps, round up to that distance.
- Record the total distance in MILES as displayed by the treadmill panel/dashboard.
Scoring the Test Result:
- Divide the total distance by 0.55 and then multiply that number by 100.
- Round off to the first decimal point.
- Example: Total Distance = 0.51 miles. (0.51 / 0.55) x 100 = 92.7 (Aerobic Fitness Score)
Aerobic Fitness Score Interpretation:
- Covering 0.55 miles in 4 minutes is slightly faster than an 8-minute mile pace = 7.5 mph for 4 continuous minutes.
- The extra distance requirement (0.05 miles = 88 yards) on the continuous treadmill is to compensate for the more demanding stop-and-go course of the Shuttle Test in order to make the scores between the two tests more comparable.
- An Aerobic Fitness Score of 100 (or more) indicates a Very High Fitness Level in relation to the health benefit.
- Scores above 100 are admirable, but they do not necessarily confer a health or longevity benefit.
- Since the fitness test is sub-maximal, scores above 120 are not necessarily comparable.
- An Aerobic Fitness Score below 100 indicates "room for improvement," depending on the age of the participant.
Note: An “average” fitness level among an unfit and unhealthy population that is at increased risk for sedentary-related chronic disease resulting in premature disability and death is not satisfactory. A score of 100+ is an appropriate goal for most otherwise healthy individuals.
Test Instructions (for participants with a BMI > 35):
- Explain that a Training Program that includes calisthenic type exercises is inappropriate for individuals with a BMI > 35 due to an increased risk of injury and lower caloric expenditures, so testing their muscle strength is contraindicated at this time.
- Explain that their Med-Fit Training Program will be limited to Aerobic Training to avoid injury to joints and increase weight-loss.
- Instruct the participant to simply walk on the treadmill for 10 minutes at a comfortable pace.
- The participant may adjust the speed and/or stop and rest as needed, but the clock keeps running.
- Use the distance covered in 10-minutes as the participant's Baseline Fitness Level.
- After the participant loses enough weight to achieve a BMI < 35, he/she may re-test to check their progress.
- Repeating the 10-minute Treadmill Test indicates the participant's Follow-Up Fitness Level.
- Add Muscle Strength Testing and calisthenic exercises to the participant's Training Program if/when tolerated.