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Testing Cardiovascular Endurance

Cardiovascular endurance, or aerobic fitness, stamina, is the ability to exercise continuously for extended periods without tiring, and is an important component of many sporting activities. A person's aerobic fitness level is dependent upon the amount of oxygen which can be transported by the body to the working muscles, and the efficiency of the muscles to use that oxygen.



The criterion test for aerobic fitness is the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) test. As this test can be expensive and time consuming, many other simpler tests have been designed to predict a VO2max score. See our extensive list of aerobic endurance tests.

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The many tests for aerobic fitness can be divided into either maximal or submaximal tests. Stressing the body by exercising to exhaustion, as in the maximal tests, is sometimes not appropriate, particularly for older, obese, young or the unfit. In these cases, the submaximal tests which are less demanding (and also usually less accurate) can be used.



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Testing Extra

We have over 400 fitness tests listed, so it's not easy to choose the best one to use. You should consider the validity, reliability, costs and ease of use for each test. Use our testing guide to conducting, recording, and interpreting fitness tests. Any questions, please ask or search for your answer. To keep up with the latest in sport science and this website, subscribe to our newsletter. We are also on facebook and twitter.

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