Chester Treadmill Police Run Test Calculator
Quick Answer
This calculator estimates your VO2max based on Chester Treadmill Police Run Test (CTPRT) results. Enter your level or time completed to see if you meet UK police fitness standards.
- ARV officers must complete 8 minutes (Level 4) for 46 ml/kg/min
- DIAFO officers must complete 10 minutes (Level 5) for 51 ml/kg/min
- Based on Professor Kevin Sykes' validated protocol from University of Chester
About the Chester Treadmill Police Run Test (CTPRT)
The Chester Treadmill Police Run Fitness Test is a multistage treadmill test of aerobic capacity, developed by Professor Kevin Sykes from the University of Chester, specifically developed for Police Officers in England and Wales. The test is a higher intensity version of the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test, which in turn was an adaptation of the Chester Treadmill Test (CTWT). This test is an alternative to the 15m Bleep test based on medical grounds for those deemed unsuited to the twists, turns, sharp acceleration/deceleration of 15m shuttle running. See also the Chester Step Test.
CTPRT Protocol and VO2max Values
The following table shows the complete Chester Treadmill Police Run Test protocol with corresponding VO2max estimates at each level:
| Level | Time (minutes) | Gradient (%) | Speed | VO2max (ml/kg/min) | Standard Met |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0-2 | 0% | 10.4 km/hr | 38 | Below standard |
| 2 | 2-4 | 2% | 10.4 km/hr | 41 | Below standard |
| 3 | 4-6 | 4% | 10.4 km/hr | 44 | Below standard |
| 4 | 6-8 | 5% | 10.4 km/hr | 46 | ARV Standard ✓ |
| 5 | 8-10 | 8% | 10.4 km/hr | 51 | DIAFO Standard ✓ |
Test Equipment and Preparation
Equipment required: Calibrated motorised treadmill capable of operating at 10.4 km/hr and gradients up to 15%, stopwatch, RPE chart.
Pre-test requirements: Explain the test procedures to the subject. Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions. Calibrate the treadmill speed and gradient. See more details of pre-test procedures.
How to Conduct the CTPRT
Procedure: The treadmill is set at 10.4 km/hr for all of the test. The gradient starts at 0% gradient for the first two minutes. At the end of the level check if RPE is less than 18. If so, increase the gradient and continue the test. The gradient is increased at designated intervals after every two minutes. The RPE is rechecked after each 2 minute level, and must remain under 18. The test ends after 10 minutes.
Understanding Your CTPRT Results
Scoring: The target time is a duration of between 8 and 10 minutes depending on your role. ARV officers must complete 8 minutes to achieve the minimum recommended aerobic fitness standard of 46 ml/kg/min. DIAFO officers are required to complete the full 10 minutes to achieve 51 ml/kg/min.
What the Results Mean for Police Fitness
The Chester Treadmill Police Run Test provides a valid and reliable measure of aerobic capacity for police officers. According to research published in Occupational Medicine, the CTPRT correlates well with direct VO2max measurement and provides equivalent assessment to the 15m shuttle run test.
A VO2max of 46 ml/kg/min (ARV standard) indicates excellent cardiovascular fitness suitable for the physical demands of armed response duties. The DIAFO standard of 51 ml/kg/min represents elite police fitness, required for the most physically demanding specialist roles.
15m Bleep Test Equivalents
For officers transitioning between tests, here are the equivalent 15m bleep test levels:
- Standard officer (35 ml/kg/min): Level 5.4 on 15m bleep test
- ARV (46 ml/kg/min): Level 7.6 on 15m bleep test
- DIAFO (51 ml/kg/min): Level 8.7 on 15m bleep test
Target Population
Target population: This test is specifically for ARV (Armed Response Vehicle) and DIAFO (Divisional Intelligence Armed Firearms Officers) personnel in UK police forces.
Safety Considerations
Considerations: This test could be a maximal test for some individuals, and therefore care should be taken to ensure the test is stopped if the subject is unable to keep up with the workrate and becomes overly distressed. The RPE must remain below 18 throughout the test, and officers should not hold onto the treadmill handrails at any point during the test.
How to Improve Your CTPRT Performance
If you didn't achieve your target level, here are training recommendations:
- Interval training: 400m repeats at race pace with 90-second recovery
- Tempo runs: 20-30 minute runs at 80-85% of maximum heart rate
- Incline treadmill training: Practice running at 10.4 km/hr on increasing gradients
- Long steady runs: Weekly 45-60 minute runs at conversational pace
- Cross-training: Cycling, swimming, or rowing to build aerobic base without impact stress
Most officers can improve their CTPRT level by 1-2 levels within 8-12 weeks of consistent training, focusing on both aerobic base building and sport-specific treadmill work.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on the Chester Treadmill Police Run Test protocol. Actual fitness assessments should be conducted by qualified personnel using calibrated equipment. Always consult with your occupational health department regarding official fitness requirements and testing procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What VO2max do I need to pass the CTPRT for ARV?
ARV (Armed Response Vehicle) officers need to achieve a VO2max of 46 ml/kg/min. This requires completing Level 4 (8 minutes) of the Chester Treadmill Police Run Test while maintaining the 10.4 km/hr speed at 5% gradient.
How long is the Chester Treadmill Police Run Test for DIAFO officers?
DIAFO officers must complete the full 10-minute test (all 5 levels) to demonstrate a VO2max of 51 ml/kg/min. The final level runs at 8% gradient while maintaining 10.4 km/hr speed throughout.
What is the difference between CTPRT and the 15m bleep test?
The CTPRT is a treadmill-based alternative for officers who cannot perform shuttle running due to medical reasons. Both tests assess the same aerobic fitness standards, but the CTPRT uses constant speed with increasing gradient rather than increasing speed with direction changes.
How accurate is the Chester Treadmill Police Run Test?
Research by Morris, Deery, and Sykes (2019) in Occupational Medicine concluded that the CTPRT provides a valid and reliable alternative to the 15m MSFT. The test was developed and validated by Professor Kevin Sykes at the University of Chester.
What speed does the CTPRT treadmill run at?
The Chester Treadmill Police Run Test maintains a constant speed of 10.4 km/hr (6.5 mph or approximately 5:46 min/km pace) throughout all five levels. The difficulty increases through gradient changes, not speed changes.
Can I hold the handrails during the CTPRT?
No, you cannot hold onto the treadmill handrails at any point during the test. Doing so invalidates the test as it reduces the metabolic demand and doesn't accurately assess your true aerobic capacity.
What happens if my RPE reaches 18 during the test?
If your Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) reaches 18 or higher, or you show signs of discomfort or distress, the test should be stopped immediately. Your result will be based on the last level you successfully completed before this point.
References
- Sykes K. (2007). "Chester Treadmill Test." University of Chester, United Kingdom.
- Sykes K. (2009). "Fitness for Fire and Rescue: Standards, Protocols and Policy." In: Stevenson R, Wilsher P, eds. United Kingdom: Firefit Steering Group.
- Sykes K. (2015). "The Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test." United Kingdom: Cartwright Fitness.
- Morris M, Deery E, Sykes K. (2019). "Chester treadmill police tests as alternatives to 15-m shuttle running." Occupational Medicine. 69(2):133-138.
- College of Policing. (2014). "Job-Related Fitness Test Implementation Guidance." United Kingdom.
- American College of Sports Medicine. (2013). "ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription." 9th Edition.
- Borg G. (1982). "Psychophysical bases of perceived exertion." Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 14(5):377-381.
Similar Tests
- Chester Treadmill Test — walking at 6.2km/hr on a treadmill, increasing gradient by 3% every 2 minutes.
- Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test — walking at 6km/hr on a treadmill, increasing gradient by 3% every 2 minutes.
- Astrand Treadmill Test — running at 5mph with a 2.5% increase in gradient every two minutes, until exhaustion.
Related Pages
UK Police Fitness Testing
Complete guide to fitness requirements for UK police officers.
Learn More →Measuring Treadmill Gradient
How to calibrate and measure treadmill gradient accurately.
Learn More →
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