Multi-stage fitness test

The multi-stage fitness test (MSFT), also known as the beep test, bleep test, PACER test (progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run), or the 20m shuttle run test, is a running test used to estimate an athlete's aerobic capacity (VO2 max).

The test requires participants to run 20 meters back and forth across a marked track keeping time with beeps. Every minute or so, the next level commences: the time between beeps gets shorter; participants must run faster. If a participant fails to reach the relevant marker in time, they are cautioned. A second caution ends the test for that runner. The number of shuttles completed is recorded as the score of that runner. The score is recorded in Level.Shuttles format (e.g. 9.5). The maximum laps on the PACER test is 247,[1] which former Central Middle School student Dennis Mejia achieved,[2] the only person to ever reach such a level.

The test is used by sporting organizations around the world along with schools, the military, and others interested in gauging cardiovascular endurance, an important component of overall physical fitness. The multi-stage fitness test is also part of most health-related fitness test batteries for children and adolescents, such as Eurofit,[3] Alpha-fit,[3] FitnessGram[4][3] and ASSOFTB.[5]

The multi-stage fitness test was first described by Luc Léger[6] with the original 1-minute protocol, which starts at a speed of 8.5 km/h, and increases by 0.5 km/h each minute. Other variations of the test have also been developed, where the protocol starts at a speed of 8.0 km/h and with either 1 or 2-minute stages, but the original protocol is nevertheless recommended.[7] The test appears to encourage maximal effort by children. Additionally, the test's prediction of aerobic capacity is valid for most individuals, including those who are overweight or obese.[8]

  1. ^ "Leger and Lambert – The FitnessGram Pacer Test". Genius. Retrieved 2022-11-04.
  2. ^ "CMS's Dennis Mejia Breaks National PACER Test". 47abc. 2016-10-13. Retrieved 2023-01-03.
  3. ^ a b c Kolimechkov, S. (2017). Рhуѕісаl fіtnеѕѕ аѕѕеѕѕmеnt іn сhіldrеn аnd аdоlеѕсеntѕ: а ѕуѕtеmаtіс review. Еurореаn Јоurnаl оf Рhуѕісаl Еduсаtіоn аnd Ѕроrt Ѕсіеnсе, 3(4), 65-78. https://www.stk-sport.co.uk/sports-science-research-ejpess-vol-3-2017.html
  4. ^ "FitnessGram PACER Test". FitnessGram - The Cooper Institute. Retrieved 12 Sep 2020.
  5. ^ Bianco, Antonino & Jemni, Monèm & Thomas, Ewan & Patti, Antonino & Paoli, Antonio & Roque, Joana & Palma, Antonio & Mammina, Caterina & Tabacchi, Garden. (2015). "A systematic review to determine reliability and usefulness of the field-based test batteries for the assessment of physical fitness in adolescents – The ASSO Project". International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health. 28. 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.00393.
  6. ^ Léger, L.; Lambert, J.; Goulet, A.; Rowan, C.; Dinelle, Y. (June 1984). "Aerobic capacity of 6 to 17-year-old Quebecois--20 meter shuttle run test with 1 minute stages". Journal Canadien des Sciences Appliquées au Sport. 9 (2): 64–69. ISSN 0700-3978. PMID 6733834.
  7. ^ Tomkinson, Grant R.; Léger, Luc A.; Olds, Tim S.; Cazorla, Georges (2003). "Secular trends in the performance of children and adolescents (1980-2000): an analysis of 55 studies of the 20m shuttle run test in 11 countries". Sports Medicine. 33 (4): 285–300. doi:10.2165/00007256-200333040-00003. ISSN 0112-1642. PMID 12688827. S2CID 25864098.
  8. ^ Voss, Christine; Sandercock, Gavin (February 2009). "Does the twenty meter shuttle-run test elicit maximal effort in 11- to 16-year-olds?". Pediatric Exercise Science. 21 (1): 55–62. doi:10.1123/pes.21.1.55. ISSN 0899-8493. PMID 19411711.