What is the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test?

The Chester Treadmill Police Walk Fitness Test (CTPWT) is a multistage treadmill test of aerobic capacity developed by Professor Kevin Sykes from the University of Chester, specifically designed for the Police Service of England and Wales. The test is an adaptation of the Chester Treadmill Test (CTWT) and serves as an alternative to the 15m Bleep test for individuals deemed medically unsuited to the twists, turns, and sharp acceleration/deceleration of shuttle running. See also the Chester Step Test.

This standardized fitness assessment allows police forces to evaluate the aerobic capacity of officers and recruits who cannot safely perform traditional shuttle run tests due to conditions such as joint problems, balance issues, or cardiovascular considerations that contraindicate high-impact exercise with rapid directional changes.

Key Difference: Unlike the 15m Bleep Test which requires running with sharp turns, the CTPWT maintains a constant walking speed (6 km/hr) with progressively increasing gradient, making it suitable for those with mobility restrictions while still providing a valid measure of aerobic fitness.

How to Perform the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test

Equipment Required

Pre-Test Procedures

Before conducting the CTPWT, administrators should:

  • Explain test procedures clearly to the participant
  • Perform health screening and risk assessment
  • Obtain informed consent
  • Record basic information: age, height, body weight, gender
  • Calibrate treadmill speed and gradient settings
  • Ensure the participant is wearing appropriate footwear and clothing

See our complete guide to pre-test procedures for more details.

Test Protocol

The Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test follows this specific protocol:

  1. Speed Setting: The treadmill is set at a constant 6 km/hr (3.7 mph) for the entire test duration
  2. Starting Gradient: Begin at 0% gradient for the first two minutes
  3. RPE Check: At the end of each 2-minute level, check if RPE is less than 18
  4. Gradient Increase: If RPE < 18 and no distress signs, increase gradient by 3%
  5. Continuation: Continue until RPE reaches 18, subject shows distress, or 12 minutes is completed

Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test Protocol Table

Level Time (minutes) Gradient (%) Equivalent VO2 (ml/kg/min)
1 0-2 0% 14
2 2-4 3% 19
3 4-6 6% 24
4 6-8 9% 30
5 8-10 12% 35
6 10-12 15% 41

Understanding Your Results

Scoring the Test

The target time for the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test is a duration of between 10 and 12 minutes - this represents the minimum recommended aerobic fitness standard for the UK Police force. Reaching Level 5 (8-10 minutes) indicates you have met the basic requirement, while completing Level 6 (10-12 minutes) demonstrates above-standard fitness.

VO2max Estimation

The calculator uses linear interpolation between level values to provide a more precise VO2max estimate based on your exact completion time:

  • Level 1 completion (2 min): ~14 ml/kg/min
  • Level 2 completion (4 min): ~19 ml/kg/min
  • Level 3 completion (6 min): ~24 ml/kg/min
  • Level 4 completion (8 min): ~30 ml/kg/min
  • Level 5 completion (10 min): ~35 ml/kg/min - Police standard met
  • Level 6 completion (12 min): ~41 ml/kg/min - Maximum

Fitness Classifications Based on VO2max

General aerobic fitness categories for adults (these vary by age and gender):

Category VO2max Range (ml/kg/min) CTPWT Level
Poor Below 25 Level 1-3
Fair 25-32 Level 3-4
Average 33-38 Level 4-5
Good 39-45 Level 5-6
Excellent 46+ Beyond test range

Safety Considerations

⚠️ Important Safety Notice: The CTPWT can be a maximal test for some individuals. Care should be taken to ensure the test is stopped immediately if:

  • The subject is unable to maintain the walking pace
  • RPE reaches 18 or above
  • The subject shows signs of distress (excessive breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness)
  • The subject requests to stop

The Science Behind the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test

Development and Validation

The CTPWT was developed by Professor Kevin Sykes at the University of Chester as part of comprehensive fitness testing protocols for emergency services. The test methodology is based on established principles of submaximal exercise testing, where the relationship between heart rate, oxygen consumption, and workload allows estimation of maximal aerobic capacity.

Research Validation

Morris, Deery, and Sykes (2019) published research in Occupational Medicine examining the CTPWT as an alternative to the 15m Multistage Fitness Test. Their conclusions confirmed that the CTPWT and the Chester Treadmill Police Run Test (CTPRT) provide valid and reliable alternatives to the 15m MSFT for occupational fitness assessment.

Accuracy and Limitations

While the CTPWT provides a valid estimate of aerobic capacity, users should be aware of certain limitations:

  • Estimates are based on submaximal exercise and population averages
  • Individual variation in walking economy affects results
  • Handrail use during the test invalidates results
  • Laboratory VO2max testing remains the gold standard for precise measurement

Who Should Use the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test?

The CTPWT is specifically designed for:

  • Police officers and recruits who require fitness assessment but cannot perform shuttle runs
  • Individuals with medical conditions that contraindicate high-impact exercise or rapid directional changes
  • Those with joint problems (knee, hip, ankle) who can walk but not run
  • People with balance issues who cannot safely perform shuttle turns
  • Cardiac rehabilitation patients (under medical supervision) requiring controlled exercise testing

Improving Your Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test Performance

If your results indicate you need to improve your aerobic fitness to meet police standards, consider these evidence-based training strategies:

Cardiovascular Training Recommendations

  • Incline Walking: Practice walking at 6 km/hr on increasing gradients to simulate test conditions
  • Interval Training: Alternate between flat and inclined walking for 2-minute intervals
  • Progressive Overload: Gradually increase workout duration and gradient over 8-12 weeks
  • Cross-Training: Include cycling, swimming, or elliptical training to build aerobic base

Sample Training Progression

For someone currently reaching Level 3-4, a typical 8-week improvement program might include:

  • Weeks 1-2: 20-minute walks at 6 km/hr, alternating 3 min flat / 2 min at 3% gradient
  • Weeks 3-4: 25-minute walks, alternating 3 min at 3% / 2 min at 6% gradient
  • Weeks 5-6: 30-minute walks, including segments at 9% gradient
  • Weeks 7-8: Full practice tests with recovery days between attempts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test?

The Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test (CTPWT) is a multistage treadmill test of aerobic capacity developed by Professor Kevin Sykes from the University of Chester, specifically for the Police Service of England and Wales. It involves walking at a constant 6 km/hr with gradient increasing by 3% every 2 minutes until exhaustion or 12 minutes is reached.

What is the passing score for the UK Police fitness test?

The target duration for the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test is between 10 and 12 minutes, which corresponds to reaching Level 5 or Level 6. This equates to an estimated VO2max of approximately 35-41 ml/kg/min, which is the minimum recommended aerobic fitness standard for UK Police officers.

How is VO2max estimated from the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test?

VO2max is estimated based on the level and time completed during the test. Each level corresponds to a specific VO2 equivalent based on validated research: Level 1 = 14, Level 2 = 19, Level 3 = 24, Level 4 = 30, Level 5 = 35, Level 6 = 41 ml/kg/min. The calculator uses linear interpolation for partial levels.

Who should take the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test instead of the 15m Bleep Test?

The CTPWT is designed as an alternative to the 15m Bleep Test for individuals who are medically unsuited to shuttle running. This includes those with joint problems, balance issues, or other medical conditions that make rapid directional changes or high-impact running inadvisable.

What equipment is needed for the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test?

The test requires a treadmill with adjustable gradient capability (0-15%), a stopwatch or timer, and an RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) chart. The treadmill must be able to maintain a constant speed of 6 km/hr (3.7 mph) throughout the test. A heart rate monitor is optional but recommended.

When should the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test be stopped?

The test should be stopped if RPE reaches 18 or above, if the subject shows signs of distress (chest pain, dizziness, excessive breathlessness), if they are unable to maintain the walking pace, or after completing 12 minutes (Level 6). Safety is paramount.

How accurate is the Chester Treadmill Police Walk Test for estimating VO2max?

Research by Morris et al. (2019) in Occupational Medicine concluded that the CTPWT provides a valid and reliable alternative to the 15m Multistage Fitness Test. While laboratory VO2max testing remains the gold standard, the CTPWT gives a practical and accurate estimate for occupational fitness purposes.