University of Montreal Track Test
The Université de Montréal Track Test (UM-TT) is a continuous maximal indirect multistage running field test based on the energy cost of running, a precursor to the Beep Test. The test was first described by Léger & Boucher (1980).
purpose: The test evaluates an individual's aerobic fitness.
equipment required: 400m running track, marker cones, measuring tape, Fit Test CD (no longer available), cd player.
pre-test: 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. Measure and mark out the test track. Perform an appropriate warm-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.
procedure: a full description of the test procedures was available with the cd or audio tape and associated booklet (no longer available). The test is conducted on a 400 meter running track, with marker cones located at every 50 meters along the track. The first stage is set at a walking speed of 6 km per hour (which requires 5 Mets); thereafter the speed is increased by 1.2 km per hour (1 Met) every two minutes. The change in speed is indicated by audio cues from the pre recorded tape. The test is ceased when the subject falls five or more meters short of the designated marker, or when the subject feels they cannot continue the stage.
scoring: The score is the distance covered in meters. The score can also be converted to a VO2max
score using the following equation by Ahmaidi et al. (1992), where velocity is determined by the distance covered in 30 seconds during each stage.
VO2max= 1.353 + (3.163 × velocity in last stage ) + ((0.0122586 × (velocity in last stage)2)
target population: This test would be suitable for team sports such as football, rugby, AFL, field hockey, team handball and basketball.
advantages: The test is easy to conduct. Large groups can perform this test all at once for minimal costs (once the kit has been bought).
disadvantages: Practice and motivation levels can influence the score attained, and the scoring of when a person cannot keep in time with the test can be subjective. As the test is usually conducted outside, the environmental conditions can also affect the results. The beep test was developed from this test to enable it to be performed indoors and with less space required.
other considerations: This test is a maximal test, which requires a reasonable level of fitness. It is not recommended for recreational athletes or people with health problems, injuries or low fitness levels.
references:
- Léger L, Boucher R., (1980) An indirect continuous running multistage field test: the Université de Montréal track test. Can J Appl Sport Sci. Jun;5(2):77-84. This study concluded that the Track Test is valid and reliable to estimate the VO2maxof trained and untrained young and middle-age males and females.
- Ahmaidi S, Collomp K, Caillauce C, Prefaut C (1992) Maximal and functional aerobic capacity as assessed by two graduated field methods in comparison to laboratory exercise testing in moderately trained participants. International Journal of Sports Medicine 13(3):243-248.
- Berthoin S, Baquet G, Rabita J, Blondel N, Lensel-Corbeil G, Gerbeaux M., (1999) Validity of the Université de Montréal Track Test to assess the velocity associated with peak oxygen uptake for adolescents. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. Jun;39(2):107-12. This study concluded that, for adolescents, the velocity measured at the last completed stage of the Track Test allows a valid estimation of the velocity associated with peak oxygen uptake.
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- VAMEVAL Test — running around a track at increasing speeds
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