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MaxVO2 Shuttle Test — Protocol, Norms and Application

MaxVO2 Shuttle Test — Protocol, Norms and Application
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(2026). MaxVO2 Shuttle Test — Protocol, Norms and Application. Sporeus. Retrieved, September 25, 2026. https://sporeus.com/en/egzersiz-testleri-en/maxvo2-shuttle-test/

2 min read

Measures: Maksimal oksijen tüketimi (VO₂ maks), kardiyorespiratuvar dayanıklılık

Table of Contents
  1. Protocol
  2. Formula
  3. Equipment Required
  4. Normative Values (Age: 20-29)
  5. Practical Applications
  6. Limitations
  7. References

Difficulty: Zor  |  Category: Aerobik

Protocol

The MaxVO2 Shuttle Test is a variation of the Beep Test that uses the standard 20m shuttle format to directly estimate VO₂max. Referred to as ‘MaxVO2 Shuttle’ in some sources, this protocol is particularly used in North American fitness assessments. Preparation: Test setup is the same as the Beep Test: two lines 20 meters apart, audio system, and cones. Participants warm up for 5–10 minutes. Participants are informed that the VO₂max test requires maximal effort. Protocol: When the audio recording starts, participants shuttle between the 20m lines. Speed increases progressively with each level; in this version, the rate of speed increase may differ from the standard Beep Test. The participant receives a warning if they fail to reach the line before the beep; the test ends after two consecutive warnings. Data Recording: The last completed level and shuttle number are recorded. These data are entered into the MaxVO2 equation for VO₂max estimation. Calculation: VO₂max (ml/kg/min) = -24.4 + (6.0 × final speed km/h). This equation is similar to the Ramsbottom et al. Beep Test equation, though some versions use different coefficients. Post-Test: A cool-down walk and stretching are performed. Results are compared to normative tables and entered into the player profile database.

Formula

VO₂max (ml/kg/min) = -24.4 + (6.0 × final_speed_kmh)

Equipment Required

20m düz alan, ses kaydı, koni

Normative Values (Age: 20-29)

ClassificationMaleFemale
Excellent>55 ml/kg/dak>47 ml/kg/dak
Good45-55 ml/kg/dak37-47 ml/kg/dak
Average35-45 ml/kg/dak27-37 ml/kg/dak
Below Average25-35 ml/kg/dak17-27 ml/kg/dak
Poor<25 ml/kg/dak<17 ml/kg/dak

Practical Applications

This test is a practical alternative as it can be administered with standard Beep Test equipment. It is used in school sports, community health research, and exercise science laboratories.

Limitations

Terminological confusion with the Beep Test may arise. Different equations are used in different sources; there is a lack of standardization.

Related Tests: Beep Test, Yo-Yo IR1, Cooper Test

Sources: Ramsbottom R et al., 1988, Br J Sports Med; Léger LA et al., 1988, Eur J Appl Physiol

References

  1. Leger LA, Lambert J. (1982). A maximal multistage 20-m shuttle run test to predict VO2 max. European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology, 49(1): 1-12. doi:10.1007/BF00428958
  2. Leger LA, Mercier D, Gadoury C, Lambert J. (1988). The multistage 20 metre shuttle run test for aerobic fitness. Journal of Sports Sciences, 6(2): 93-101. doi:10.1080/02640418808729800
  3. Ramsbottom R, Brewer J, Williams C. (1988). A progressive shuttle run test to estimate maximal oxygen uptake. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 22(4): 141-144. doi:10.1136/bjsm.22.4.141
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Key Facts
Protocol The MaxVO2 Shuttle Test is a variation of the Beep Test that uses the standard 20m shuttle format to directly estimate VO₂max. Referred to as 'MaxVO2 Shuttle' in some sources, this protocol is particularly used in North American fitness assessments. Preparation: Test setup is the same as the Beep Test: two lines 20 meters apart, audio system, and cones. Participants warm up for 5–10 minutes. Participants are informed that the VO₂max test requires maximal effort. Protocol: When the audio recording starts, participants shuttle between the 20m lines. Speed increases progressively with each level; in this version, the rate of speed increase may differ from the standard Beep Test. The participant receives a warning if they fail to reach the line before the beep; the test ends after two consecutive warnings. Data Recording: The last completed level and shuttle number are recorded. These data are entered into the MaxVO2 equation for VO₂max estimation. Calculation: VO₂max (ml/kg/min) = -24.4 + (6.0 × final speed km/h). This equation is similar to the Ramsbottom et al. Beep Test equation, though some versions use different coefficients. Post-Test: A cool-down walk and stretching are performed. Results are compared to normative tables and entered into the player profile database. Formula

VO₂max (ml/kg/min) = -24.4 + (6.0 × final_speed_kmh)

Equipment Required

20m düz alan, ses kaydı, koni

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Hüseyin Akbulut
WRITTEN BY
Hüseyin Akbulut, MSc

Hüseyin Akbulut is the founder of Sporeus and author of THRESHOLD (EŞİK), a 540-page Turkish-language book on endurance science. He holds a Master's degree in Sport Sciences and writes for…