Comparing Alternate Aerobic Tests for United States Navy Physical Readiness Test

ABSTRACT

The current Navy Physical Readiness Test allows for several alternatives to test aerobic fitness. Two currently approved alternate aerobic devices (elliptical trainer and stationary bike) were tested for correlation to VO2max and measured 1.5-mile run times. Two additional devices (2-km rower and 5-km cycle ergometer) were also evaluated as possible alternates. 132 active duty military and Naval Academy midshipmen were recruited from the United States Naval Academy. Subjects participated in six testing sessions over an eight-week period. Subjects performed a VO2max test (n = 96), 1.5 mile run (n = 118), 12-minute stationary bike test (n = 115), 12-minute elliptical trainer test (n = 108), 5-km cycle ergometer test (n = 114), and 2-km rower test (n = 115). Performances in all tests were correlated with one another. The strongest correlation to VO2max existed with the 1.5-mile run (r = –0.84). The 5-km cycle ergometer test (r = –0.42), 2-km rower test (r = –0.42), 12-minute stationary bike test (r = 0.37), and 12-minute elliptical trainer test (r = 0.20) did not correlate as well. For all devices tested, age, gender, and weight were determined to be significant factors when correlating to VO2max and 1.5-mile run times. The results support the mandated use of the 1.5-mile run as the preferred method of assessing aerobic fitness for all sailors. The results do not support the use of the 12-minute elliptical test as an authorized alternative to the 1.5-mile run.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical
• readiness
• test

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the assistance of test administrators ENS Alexandria Berry, ENS Jack Keller, and 2^nd Lt Patrick Prada.