The six minute run test has been developed as a shorter alternative to the 12 minute Cooper run test. There is also the six-minute walk test for testing the elderly.

Purpose: To test aerobic endurance fitness (the ability of the body to use oxygen as an energy source)

Equipment Required: flat oval or running track, marking cones, recording sheets, stop watch.

Procedure: Place markers at set intervals around the track to aid in measuring the completed distance. Participants run for 6 minutes, and the total distance covered is recorded. Walking is allowed, though the participants must be encouraged to push themselves as hard as they can.

Results: No norm values are available for this test. To give you an idea of expected scores, The Newcastle Knights rugby team perform this test running around a 300m course. In a test conducted in 2008, one of their top players reached 1680m, 80m ahead of his nearest rival and well over a lap ahead of plenty of teammates (source: article online in the Daily Telegraph, July 2008).

Target Population: For those who are unfit or unable to run, there are similar walking tests that can be performed.

Reliability: The reliability of this test would depend on practice, pacing strategies and motivation level. There should be good reliability if these issues are addressed.

Advantages: Large groups can be tested at once, and it is a very cheap and simple test to perform. The test takes less time to complete then the similar 12 minute Cooper run test.

Disadvantages: Practice and pacing is required to achieve the best possible score, and performance on this test can be affected greatly by motivation.

Variations/Modification: The test can also be conducted by running on a treadmill for 6 minutes, set to level 1 (1 percent) incline to mimic outdoor running. There are many variations of the walk / run test.